Smoking substitute consumable

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and an axially adjacent, downstream filter arrangement. In some implementations, the filter arrangement comprises an upstream filter element, an intermediate filter element and a terminal filter element. The upstream and terminal filter elements may be independently selected from a solid filter element and a hollow bore filter element. The intermediate filter element may be a hollow bore filter element having a greater bore diameter than any other hollow bore filter element in the filter arrangement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is a continuation of, and claims priority to, theinternational patent application identified by PCT/EP2019/079191, filedon Oct. 25, 2019, claiming priority to application number GB1817579.4,filed on Oct. 29, 2018; the present disclosure is a continuation of, andclaims priority to, the international patent application identified byPCT/EP2019/079209, filed on Oct. 25, 2019, claiming priority toapplication number GB1817565.3, filed on Oct. 29, 2018; the presentdisclosure is a continuation of, and claims priority to, theinternational patent application identified by PCT/EP2019/079212, filedon Oct. 25, 2019, claiming priority to application number GB1817574.5,filed on Oct. 29, 2018; the present disclosure is a continuation of, andclaims priority to, the international patent application identified byPCT/EP2019/079219, filed on Oct. 25, 2019, claiming priority toapplication number GB1817563.8, filed on Oct. 29, 2018; the presentdisclosure is a continuation of, and claims priority to, theinternational patent application identified by PCT/EP2019/079230, filedon Oct. 25, 2019, claiming priority to application number GB1817545.5,filed on Oct. 29, 2018; the present disclosure is a continuation of, andclaims priority to, the international patent application identified byPCT/EP2019/079273, filed on Oct. 25, 2019, claiming priority toapplication number GB1817567.9, filed on Oct. 29, 2018, and toapplication number GB1817580.2, filed on Oct. 29, 2018; the presentdisclosure is a continuation of, and claims priority to, theinternational patent application identified by PCT/EP2019/079279, filedon Oct. 25, 2019, claiming priority to application number GB1817548.9,filed on Oct. 29, 2018; the entire contents of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a consumable for use in a smokingsubstitute system and particularly, although not exclusively, to aheat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.

BACKGROUND

The smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker topotentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that asignificant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generatedthrough the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobaccoand the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.

Conventional combustible smoking articles, such as cigarettes, typicallycomprise a cylindrical rod of tobacco comprising shreds of tobacco whichis surrounded by a wrapper, and usually also a cylindrical filteraxially aligned in an abutting relationship with the wrapped tobaccorod. The filter typically comprises a filtration material which iscircumscribed by a plug wrap. The wrapped tobacco rod and the filter arejoined together by a wrapped band of tipping paper that circumscribesthe entire length of the filter and an adjacent portion of the wrappedtobacco rod. A conventional cigarette of this type is used by lightingthe end opposite to the filter, and burning the tobacco rod. The smokerreceives mainstream smoke into their mouth by drawing on the mouth endor filter end of the cigarette.

Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tarand other potentially harmful by-products. There have been proposedvarious smoking substitute systems (or “substitute smoking systems”) inorder to avoid the smoking of tobacco.

Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacementtherapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome adependence on nicotine.

Smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a userto simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred toas a “vapour”) that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled)and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/orflavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risksassociated with traditional smoking.

In general, smoking substitute systems are intended to provide asubstitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with asimilar experience and satisfaction to those experienced withtraditional smoking and with combustible tobacco products. Some smokingsubstitute systems use smoking substitute articles that are designed toresemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with amouthpiece at one end.

The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidlyin the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to assisthabitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking, consumers areincreasingly viewing smoking substitute systems as desirable lifestyleaccessories.

There are a number of different categories of smoking substitutesystems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach.

One approach for a smoking substitute system is the so-called “heat notburn” (“HNB”) approach in which tobacco (rather than an “e-liquid”) isheated or warmed to release vapour. The tobacco may be leaf tobacco orreconstituted tobacco. The vapour may contain nicotine and/orflavourings. In the HNB approach the intention is that the tobacco isheated but not burned, i.e., the tobacco does not undergo combustion.

A typical HNB smoking substitute system may include a device and aconsumable. The consumable may include the tobacco material. The deviceand consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. Inuse, heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating elementof the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causesmoisture in the tobacco material to be released as vapour. A vapour mayalso be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier mayfor example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) andadditionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The releasedvapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.

As the vapour passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow)from an inlet to a mouthpiece (outlet), the vapour cools and condensesto form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol will normallycontain the volatile compounds.

In HNB smoking substitute systems, heating as opposed to burning thetobacco material is believed to cause fewer, or smaller quantities, ofthe more harmful compounds ordinarily produced during smoking.Consequently, the HNB approach may reduce the odour and/or health risksthat can arise through the burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradationof tobacco.

In some cases, the aerosol passing from the mouthpiece (i.e., beinginhaled by a user) may not be in a desirable state. Thus, it may bedesirable to alter one or more characteristics of the aerosol before itis inhaled by the user.

There is a need for an improved design of HNB consumables to enhance theuser experience and improve the function of the HNB smoking substitutesystem.

The present disclosure has been devised in the light of the aboveconsiderations.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

First Mode of the Disclosure: Thin-Walled Hollow Bore Filter Element

At its most general, the first mode of the present disclosure relates toan aerosol-forming article e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable having a thin-walled hollow bore filter elementinterposed between two other filter elements.

According to a first aspect of the first mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable) comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; and an axiallyadjacent, downstream filter arrangement wherein the filter arrangementcomprises an upstream filter element, an intermediate filter element anda terminal filter element, wherein the upstream and terminal filterelements are independently selected from a solid filter element and ahollow bore filter element and wherein intermediate filter element is ahollow bore filter element having a greater bore diameter than any otherhollow bore filter element in the filter arrangement.

The provision of an intermediate hollow bore filter element interposedbetween two other filter elements within a filter arrangement axiallydownstream of the substrate, the intermediate filter element can act asa cooling/mixing chamber by allowing cooling/mixing of theaerosol/vapour generated by heating the substrate within its axial bore.The intermediate filter element thus helps reduce thermal transfer tothe user's lips whilst having little effect on the volume of visiblevapour (unlike known polylactic acid cooling elements which reducevisible vapour).

Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or inany combination with any aspect.

The aerosol-forming article is preferably a heat-not-burn (HNB)consumable.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release atleast one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of thearticle/consumable.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are intended torefer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol, i.e., with thedownstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outletwhere the aerosol exits the article/consumable for inhalation by theuser. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end tothe downstream end.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprisesat least one volatile compound that is intended to bevaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreationaland/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/orphysiologically active volatile compounds include the group consistingof: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine andcathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorinA together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plantmaterial may comprise least one plant material selected from the listincluding Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry),Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galeazacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura),Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisusscoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia californica (CaliforniaPoppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica(Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce opium),Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort),Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata(Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip),Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaeacaerulea (Blue Lily), opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower),Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica(Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage),Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellarialateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sidaacuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum(Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus,Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (MaconhaBrava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

Preferably, the plant material is tobacco. Any type of tobacco may beused. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burleytobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco,dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This alsoincludes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includesleaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco,tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobaccoand/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet ofhomogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/stripsformed from such a sheet.

In some embodiments, the sheet used to form the aerosol-formingsubstrate has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m², e.g.,greater than or equal to 110 g/m² such as greater than or equal to 120g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m² e.g.,less than or equal to 250 g/m² or less than or equal to 200 g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m².

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least 50 wt % plantmaterial, e.g., at least 60 wt % plant material, e.g., around 65 wt %plant material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise 80 wt % orless plant material e.g., 75 or 70 wt % or less plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additivesselected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueoussolvents and binders.

Humectants are provided as vapour generators—the resulting vapour helpscarry the volatile active compounds and increases visible vapour.Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol(PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG))and their esters (e.g., glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They may bepresent in the aerosol-forming substrate in an amount between 1 and 50wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lowerlimit of at least 1% by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as atleast 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have an upperlimit of at most 50% by weight of the plant material, such as at most 40wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such as at most 20 wt %.

Preferably, the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, such as 1 to 20 wt %

Suitable binders are known in the art and may act to bind together thecomponents forming the aerosol-forming substrate. Binders may comprisestarches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methylcellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum,organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid/sodium alginate, agarand pectins.

Preferably the binder content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 8 wt %.

Suitable fillers are known in the art and may act to strengthen theaerosol-forming substrate. Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco)fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g., woodfibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the filler content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 9 wt %.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aqueous and/or non-aqueoussolvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate has a watercontent of between 5 and 10 wt % e.g., between 6-9 wt % such as between7-9 wt %.

The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may includementhol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g., citrus,cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) and tobaccoflavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout theaerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locationsand/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles aconventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10 mme.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm. It may have anaxial length of between 10 and 15 mm e.g., between 11 and 14 mm such asaround 12 or 13 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be at least partly circumscribed by awrapping layer e.g., a paper wrapping layer. The wrapping layer mayoverlie an inner foil layer or may comprise a paper/foil laminate (withthe foil innermost).

The filter arrangement comprises an upstream filter element which isaxially adjacent/immediately downstream of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, a terminal filter element which is at the downstream axialend of the article/consumable and an intermediate filter element whichis interposed in abutment with the other two filter elements.

The upstream and intermediate filter elements may be at least partly(e.g., entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element/intermediate filter element) may becomprised of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow. The or at least oneof the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filter element/upstreamfilter element/intermediate filter element) may be comprised ofactivated charcoal. The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g.,the terminal filter element/upstream filter element/intermediate filterelement) may be comprised of paper. The or at least one of the filterelement(s) (e.g., the terminal filter element/upstream filterelement/intermediate filter element) may be comprised of plant materiale.g., extruded plant material. The or each filter element may becircumscribed with a plug wrap e.g., a paper plug wrap.

The or each filter element may have a substantially cylindrical shapewith a diameter substantially matching the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate (with or without its associated wrappinglayer). The axial length of the upstream and/or terminal filter elementmay be less than 20 mm, e.g., between 8 and 15 mm, for example between 9and 13 mm e.g., between 10 and 12 mm. The axial length of theintermediate filter element may be between 10 and 15 mm e.g., between 12and 14 mm or 13 and 14 mm e.g., around 14 mm.

The intermediate filter element is a hollow bore filter element having alarger bore diameter than any other hollow bore filter element in thefilter arrangement.

In some embodiments, the bore diameter in the intermediate filterelement is greater than 3 mm, e.g., greater than or equal to 4 mm, suchas greater than or equal to 5 or 6 mm. Given that the external diameterof the intermediate filter element preferably matches the diameter ofthe substrate (e.g., with a diameter around 7 mm), it can be seen thatthe intermediate hollow bore filter element is preferably a thin-walledhollow bore filter element. This maximises the volume of the axial boreto maximise mixing/cooling of the vapour.

The terminal filter element and/or upstream filter element may be asolid filter element.

The terminal filter element and/or upstream filter element may be ahollow bore filter element. In that case, the upstream and or terminalhollow bore filter element may have a bore diameter of between 1 and 5mm, e.g., between 2 and 4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm. Where both theupstream and terminal filter elements are hollow bore filter elements,the upstream filter element may have a larger bore diameter than theterminal filter element (with the intermediate filter element having thelargest bore diameter within the filter arrangement).

In preferred embodiments, the upstream filter element is a hollow borefilter element (with a bore diameter less than the bore diameter of theintermediate hollow bore filter element. In this way, the vapour passingthrough the axial bore of the upstream hollow bore filter element canexpand into the larger axial bore in the intermediate hollow bore filterelement, this expansion resulting in effective cooling/mixing.

Providing a terminal hollow bore filter element may help the componentsof the vapour/aerosol within the larger axial bore of the intermediatefilter element co-locate prior to inhalation by the user.

The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of thearticle/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming thearticle/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g., a tippingpaper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than theaxial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping papercompletely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrappinglayer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.

Where one of the upstream/terminal filter elements is a solid filterelement, it may include a capsule e.g., a crushable capsule (crush-ball)containing a liquid flavourant e.g., any of the flavourants listedabove. The capsule can be crushed by the user during smoking of thearticle/consumable to release the flavourant. The capsule may be locatedat the axial centre of the solid filter element.

In a second aspect of the first mode, there is provided a smokingsubstitute system comprising an aerosol-forming article according to thefirst aspect and a device comprising a heating element.

The device may be a HNB device i.e., a device adapted to heat but notcombust the aerosol-forming substrate.

The device may comprise a main body for housing the heating element. Theheating element may comprise an elongated, e.g., rod, tube-shaped orblade heating element. The heating element may project into or surrounda cavity within the main body for receiving the article/consumabledescribed above.

The device (e.g., the main body) may further comprise an electricalpower supply e.g., a (rechargeable) battery for powering the heatingelement. It may further comprise a control unit to control the supply ofpower to the heating element.

In a third aspect of the first mode, there is provided a method of usinga smoking substitute system according to the second aspect, the methodcomprising: inserting the article/consumable into the device; andheating the article/consumable using the heating element.

In some embodiments, the method comprises inserting thearticle/consumable into a cavity within the main body and penetratingthe article/consumable with the heating element upon insertion of thearticle/consumable. For example, the heating element may penetrate theaerosol-forming substrate in the article/consumable.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive,a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the aboveaspects of the first mode may be applied to any other aspect of thefirst mode. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature orparameter described herein may be applied to any aspect of the firstmode and/or combined with any other feature or parameter of the firstmode described herein.

Second Mode of the Disclosure: Air Flow Path Upstream of Terminal FilterElement

At its most general, the second mode of the present disclosure relatesto an aerosol-forming article e.g., a smoking substitute article such asan HNB consumable having an air flow path into the consumable upstreamof a terminal filter element.

According to a first aspect of the second mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a hollowbore terminal filter element at a downstream axial end of thearticle/consumable wherein the article comprises at least one radial airflow path into the article/consumable interposed between theaerosol-forming substrate and the terminal filter element.

By providing at least one radial air flow path into thearticle/consumable upstream of the terminal filter element anddownstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, air can be drawn into thearticle/consumable as the user inhales and this air can help to cool andmix the vapour prior to inhalation. The cross-sectional area of the atleast one air flow path and/or the number of radial air flow paths canbe tailored to tailor the resistance to draw (RTD) of thearticle/consumable.

Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or inany combination with any aspect.

The aerosol-forming article is preferably a heat-not-burn (HNB)consumable.

In some embodiments, there is a plurality of radial air flow paths whichmay be circumferentially-arranged around the article/consumable.

In some embodiments, the article/consumable may further comprise aspacer element or an aerosol-cooling element upstream and axiallyadjacent the terminal filter portion.

The or each radial air flow path may be provided within thespacer/aerosol-cooling element. For example, the radial air flow path(s)may be provided immediately upstream of the terminal filter elementproximal a join between the terminal filter element and thespacer/aerosol-cooling element.

There may also be an upstream filter element provided upstream of thespacer/aerosol-cooling element and downstream of the aerosol-formingsubstrate.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are intended torefer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol, i.e., with thedownstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outletwhere the aerosol exits the article/consumable for inhalation by theuser. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end tothe downstream end. The axial direction of the article/consumable isaligned with the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e., extendsbetween the upstream and downstream ends of the article/consumable. Theradial air flow path extends substantially perpendicularly to the axialdirection/flow direction of the vapour/aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be circumscribed by a wrapping layere.g., a paper wrapping layer. The wrapping layer may overlie an innerfoil layer or may comprise a paper/foil laminate (with the foilinnermost).

The spacer/aerosol-cooling element may be at least partly (e.g.,entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer. The upstreamfilter element may be at least partly (e.g., entirely) circumscribed bythe (paper) wrapping layer.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more ventilationholes provided in the wrapping layer e.g., by a plurality of ventilationholes circumferentially arranged around the article/consumable. Forexample, there may be a plurality of ventilation holes arrangedcircumferentially around the wrapping layer immediately upstream of theterminal filter element.

The or each filter element is formed of a smoke-permeable material. Theterminal and/or upstream filter element(s) may be comprised of celluloseacetate or polypropylene tow. The terminal and/or upstream filterelement(s) may be comprised of activated charcoal. The terminal and/orupstream filter element(s) may be comprised of paper. The terminaland/or upstream filter element(s) may each be circumscribed with arespective plug wrap e.g., a paper plug wrap.

The porosity of the upstream filter element may be greater than theporosity of the terminal filter element.

The terminal and/or upstream filter element(s) may each have asubstantially cylindrical shape with a diameter substantially matchingthe diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate (with or without itsassociated wrapping layer). The axial length of the or each filterelement may be less than 20 mm, e.g., between 8 and 15 mm, for examplebetween 9 and 13 mm e.g., between 10 and 12 mm.

The upstream filter element may be a solid filter element or may be ahollow bore filter element comprising an axial bore.

The terminal filter element and optionally the upstream filter elementmay each have a bore diameter of between 1 and 5 mm, e.g., between 2 and4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm. The diameter of the axial bore in the(hollow bore) upstream filter element may be greater than the diameterof the bore in the terminal filter element.

The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of thearticle/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming thearticle/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g., a tippingpaper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than theaxial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping papercompletely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrappinglayer surrounding any adjacent upstream element (e.g., the adjacentspacer element or aerosol-cooling element).

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more ventilationholes provided in the tipping layer e.g., by a plurality of ventilationholes circumferentially arranged around the article/consumable. Forexample, there may be a plurality of ventilation holes arrangedcircumferentially around the tipping layer immediately upstream of theterminal filter element.

The ventilation hole(s) in the tipping layer may be aligned oroverlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the wrapping layer.

The aerosol-cooling element is adapted to cool the aerosol generatedfrom the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) before beinginhaled by the user.

The aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a plastics materialselected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).The aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a crimped/gathered sheet ofmaterial to form a structure having a high surface area with a pluralityof longitudinal channels to maximise heat exchange and cooling of theaerosol.

The spacer element defines a space or cavity or chamber between theaerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of thearticle/consumable e.g., between the upstream and terminal filterelements. The spacer element acts to allow both cooling and mixing ofthe aerosol. The spacer element may have a tubular wall e.g., formed ofcardboard.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more ventilationholes provided in the tubular wall of the spacer element e.g., by aplurality of ventilation holes circumferentially arranged around thetubular wall. For example, there may be a plurality of ventilation holesarranged circumferentially around the tubular wall proximal thedownstream end of the spacer element.

The ventilation hole(s) in the tubular wall of the spacer element may bealigned or overlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the wrappinglayer and/or tipping layer.

The spacer element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10 mme.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm. It may have anaxial length of between 10 and 15 mm e.g., between 12 and 14 mm or 13and 14 mm e.g., around 14 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release atleast one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of thearticle/consumable.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprisesat least one volatile compound that is intended to bevaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreationaland/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/orphysiologically active volatile compounds include the group consistingof: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine andcathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorinA together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plantmaterial may comprise least one plant material selected from the listincluding Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry),Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galeazacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura),Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisusscoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia californica (CaliforniaPoppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica(Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce opium),Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort),Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata(Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip),Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaeacaerulea (Blue Lily), opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower),Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica(Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage),Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellarialateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sidaacuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum(Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus,Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (MaconhaBrava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

Preferably, the plant material is tobacco. Any type of tobacco may beused. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burleytobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco,dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This alsoincludes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includesleaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco,tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobaccoand/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet ofhomogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/stripsformed from such a sheet.

In some embodiments, the sheet used to form the aerosol-formingsubstrate has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m², e.g.,greater than or equal to 110 g/m² such as greater than or equal to 120g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m² e.g.,less than or equal to 250 g/m² or less than or equal to 200 g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m².

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least 50 wt % plantmaterial, e.g., at least 60 wt % plant material e.g., around 65 wt %plant material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise 80 wt % orless plant material e.g., 75 or 70 wt % or less plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additivesselected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueoussolvents and binders.

Humectants are provided as vapour generators—the resulting vapour helpscarry the volatile active compounds and increases visible vapour.Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol(PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG))and their esters (e.g., glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They may bepresent in the aerosol-forming substrate in an amount between 1 and 50wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lowerlimit of at least 1% by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as atleast 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have an upperlimit of at most 50% by weight of the plant material, such as at most 40wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such as at most 20 wt %.

Preferably, the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, such as 1 to 20 wt %

Suitable binders are known in the art and may act to bind together thecomponents forming the aerosol-forming substrate. Binders may comprisestarches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methylcellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum,organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid/sodium alginate, agarand pectins.

Preferably the binder content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 8 wt %.

Suitable fillers are known in the art and may act to strengthen theaerosol-forming substrate. Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco)fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g., woodfibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the filler content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 9 wt %.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aqueous and/or non-aqueoussolvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate has a watercontent of between 5 and 10 wt % e.g., between 6-9 wt % such as between7-9 wt %.

The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may includementhol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g., citrus,cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) and tobaccoflavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout theaerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locationsand/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles aconventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10 mme.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm. It may have anaxial length of between 10 and 15 mm e.g., between 11 and 14 mm such asaround 12 or 13 mm.

In a second aspect of the second mode, there is provided a smokingsubstitute system comprising an aerosol-forming article according to thefirst aspect and a device comprising a heating element.

The device may be a HNB device i.e., a device adapted to heat but notcombust the aerosol-forming substrate.

The device may comprise a main body for housing the heating element. Theheating element may comprise an elongated e.g., rod, tube-shaped orblade heating element. The heating element may project into or surrounda cavity within the main body for receiving the article/consumabledescribed above.

The device (e.g., the main body) may further comprise an electricalpower supply e.g., a (rechargeable) battery for powering the heatingelement. It may further comprise a control unit to control the supply ofpower to the heating element.

In a third aspect of the second mode, there is provided a method ofusing a smoking substitute system according to the second aspect of thesecond mode, the method comprising: inserting the article/consumableinto the device; and heating the article/consumable using the heatingelement.

In some embodiments, the method comprises inserting thearticle/consumable into a cavity within the main body and penetratingthe article/consumable with the heating element upon insertion of thearticle/consumable. For example, the heating element may penetrate theaerosol-forming substrate in the article/consumable.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive,a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the aboveaspects of the second mode may be applied to any other aspect of thesecond mode. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any featureor parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect of the secondmode and/or combined with any other feature or parameter of the secondmode described herein.

Third Mode of the Disclosure: Spacer Element

At its most general, the third mode of the present disclosure relates toan aerosol-forming article e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable comprising a spacer element adapted to retain heat withinthe vapour/aerosol.

According to a first aspect of the third mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a terminalfilter element at a downstream axial end of the article, wherein thearticle further comprises a spacer element interposed between thesubstrate and the terminal filter element, the spacer element being atleast partly lined with a heat reflective material.

By providing a spacer element lined with a heat reflective material, itis possible to maintain heat within the aerosol/vapour generated byheating of the aerosol-forming substrate and prevent condensation of theaerosol on the inner surface of the spacer element thus ensuring that anincreased volume of vapour is available to the user for inhalation atthe terminal filter element.

Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or inany combination with any aspect.

The aerosol-forming article is preferably a heat-not-burn (HNB)consumable.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release atleast one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of thearticle/consumable.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are intended torefer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e., with thedownstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outletwhere the aerosol exits the article/consumable for inhalation by theuser. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end tothe downstream end.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprisesat least one volatile compound that is intended to bevaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreationaland/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/orphysiologically active volatile compounds include the group consistingof: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine andcathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorinA together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plantmaterial may comprise least one plant material selected from the listincluding Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry),Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galeazacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura),Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisusscoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia californica (CaliforniaPoppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica(Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce opium),Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort),Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata(Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip),Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaeacaerulea (Blue Lily), opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower),Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica(Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage),Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellarialateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sidaacuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum(Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus,Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (MaconhaBrava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

Preferably, the plant material is tobacco. Any type of tobacco may beused. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burleytobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco,dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This alsoincludes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includesleaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco,tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobaccoand/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet ofhomogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/stripsformed from such a sheet.

In some embodiments, the sheet used to form the aerosol-formingsubstrate has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m², e.g.,greater than or equal to 110 g/m² such as greater than or equal to 120g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m² e.g.,less than or equal to 250 g/m² or less than or equal to 200 g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m². Theaerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least 50 wt % plant material,e.g., at least 60 wt % plant material e.g., around 65 wt % plantmaterial. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise 80 wt % or lessplant material e.g., 75 or 70 wt % or less plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additivesselected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueoussolvents and binders.

Humectants are provided as vapour generators—the resulting vapour helpscarry the volatile active compounds and increases visible vapour.Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol(PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG))and their esters (e.g., glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They may bepresent in the aerosol-forming substrate in an amount between 1 and 50wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lowerlimit of at least 1% by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as atleast 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have an upperlimit of at most 50% by weight of the plant material, such as at most 40wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such as at most 20 wt %.

Preferably, the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, such as 1 to 20 wt %

Suitable binders are known in the art and may act to bind together thecomponents forming the aerosol-forming substrate. Binders may comprisestarches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methylcellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum,organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid/sodium alginate, agarand pectins.

Preferably the binder content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 8 wt %.

Suitable fillers are known in the art and may act to strengthen theaerosol-forming substrate. Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco)fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g., woodfibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the filler content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 9 wt %.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aqueous and/or non-aqueoussolvent.

In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate has a water contentof between 5 and 10 wt % e.g., between 6-9 wt % such as between 7-9 wt%.

The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may includementhol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g., citrus,cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) and tobaccoflavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout theaerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locationsand/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles aconventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10 mme.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm. It may have anaxial length of between 10 and 15 mm e.g., between 11 and 14 mm such asaround 12 or 13 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be at least partly circumscribed by awrapping layer e.g., a paper wrapping layer. The wrapping layer mayoverlie an inner foil layer or may comprise a paper/foil laminate (withthe foil innermost).

The article/consumable comprise a terminal filter element at thedownstream/mouth end of the article/consumable. There may be an upstreamfilter element (upstream of the downstream axial end).

There may be a plurality of a terminal filter element and an upstreamfilter element which may be adjacent one another or which may be spacedapart. The upstream of the terminal filter element may be at leastpartly (e.g., entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be comprised of cellulose acetateor polypropylene tow. The at least one filter element (e.g., theterminal filter element/upstream filter element) may be comprised ofactivated charcoal. The at least one filter element (e.g., the terminalelement/upstream filter element) may be comprised of paper. The at leastone filter element (e.g., the terminal element/upstream filter element)may be comprised of plant material e.g., extruded plant material. The oreach filter element may be circumscribed with a plug wrap e.g., a paperplug wrap.

The or each filter element may have a substantially cylindrical shapewith a diameter substantially matching the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate (with or without its associated wrappinglayer). The axial length of the or each filter element may be less than20 mm, e.g., between 8 and 15 mm, for example between 9 and 13 mm e.g.,between 10 and 12 mm.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be a solid filter element. The orat least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be a hollow bore filter element.The or each hollow bore filter element may have a bore diameter ofbetween 1 and 5 mm, e.g., between 2 and 4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm.

The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of thearticle/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming thearticle/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g., a tippingpaper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than theaxial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping papercompletely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrappinglayer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.

The or at least one of the filter elements e.g., the terminal filterelement may include a capsule e.g., a crushable capsule (crush-ball)containing a liquid flavourant e.g., any of the flavourants listedabove. The capsule can be crushed by the user during smoking of thearticle/consumable to release the flavourant. The capsule may be locatedat the axial centre of the filter element.

In some embodiments, the article/consumable may comprise anaerosol-cooling element which is adapted to cool the aerosol generatedfrom the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) before beinginhaled by the user.

The aerosol-cooling element will be downstream from the aerosol-formingsubstrate. For example, it may be between the aerosol-forming substrateand the upstream filter element and/or between the two filter elements.The aerosol cooling element may be at least partly (e.g., completely)circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

The aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a plastics materialselected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).The aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a crimped/gathered sheet ofmaterial to form a structure having a high surface area with a pluralityof longitudinal channels to maximise heat exchange and cooling of theaerosol.

The article/consumable comprises a spacer element that defines a spaceor cavity or chamber between the aerosol-forming substrate and thedownstream end of the article/consumable, i.e., between theaerosol-forming substrate and the terminal filter element.

The spacer element may be provided axially adjacent and upstream of theterminal filter element. For example, the spacer element may be providedbetween the terminal filter element and the upstream filter element.

The spacer element may be a tubular spacer element e.g., it may comprisea cardboard tube or a tube formed of extruded plastics material. Thespacer element may be at least partly (e.g., entirely) circumscribed bythe (paper) wrapping layer.

The spacer element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10 mme.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm. It may have anaxial length of between 10 and 15 mm e.g., between 12 and 14 mm or 13and 14 mm e.g., around 14 mm.

The spacer element is at least partly lined (e.g., fully lined) with aheat reflective material i.e., lined on its inner surface such that theheat reflective material faces the cavity/chamber within the spacerelement. In this way, the heat within the aerosol/vapour generated byheating the aerosol-forming substrate is retained such that condensationof the aerosol/vapour does not occur on the spacer element. In this way,more of the volatile compounds and visible vapour (humectants) reach theterminal filter element for inhalation by the user.

The heat reflective material may be a metallic foil e. g. an aluminiumfoil.

In a second aspect of the third mode of the present disclosure, there isprovided a smoking substitute system comprising an aerosol-formingarticle according to the first aspect of the third mode and a devicecomprising a heating element.

The device may be a HNB device i.e., a device adapted to heat but notcombust the aerosol-forming substrate.

The device may comprise a main body for housing the heating element. Theheating element may comprise an elongated, e.g., rod, tube-shaped orblade heating element. The heating element may project into or surrounda cavity within the main body for receiving the article/consumabledescribed above.

The device (e.g., the main body) may further comprise an electricalpower supply e.g., a (rechargeable) battery for powering the heatingelement. It may further comprise a control unit to control the supply ofpower to the heating element.

In a third aspect of the third mode of the present disclosure, there isprovided a method of using a smoking substitute system according to thesecond aspect of the third mode, the method comprising: inserting thearticle/consumable into the device; and heating the article/consumableusing the heating element.

In some embodiments, the method comprises inserting thearticle/consumable into a cavity within the main body and penetratingthe article/consumable with the heating element upon insertion of thearticle/consumable. For example, the heating element may penetrate theaerosol-forming substrate in the article/consumable.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive,a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the aboveaspects of the third mode may be applied to any other aspect of thethird mode. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature orparameter of the third mode described herein may be applied to anyaspect of the third mode and/or combined with any other feature orparameter of the third mode described herein.

Fourth Mode of the Disclosure: Cooling Element

At its most general, the present disclosure relates to a HNB consumablecomprising a cooling element in the form of a sheet formed of a plasticsmaterial.

According to a first aspect of the fourth mode, there is provided aheat-not-burn (HNB) consumable comprising an aerosol-forming substrateand a cooling element located downstream of the substrate wherein thecooling element comprises a sheet formed of plastics material, and anadditive applied to a surface of the sheet.

Vapour formed by the aerosol-forming substrate may flow through thecooling element before exiting at the downstream end of the consumable(i.e., for inhalation by a user). The additive may be such that italters a characteristic of the vapour formed by heating theaerosol-forming substrate that flows across the cooling element. Forexample, the additive (or components of the additive) may becomeentrained in the aerosol as it flows through the cooling element.Alternatively or additionally, the additive (or components of theadditive) may interact with the aerosol in another manner (e.g., withoutbecoming entrained in the aerosol) so as to affect a characteristic ofthe aerosol.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are intended torefer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e., with thedownstream end of the consumable being the mouth end or outlet where theaerosol exits the consumable for inhalation by the user. An upstream endof the consumable is the opposing end to the downstream end.

Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or inany combination with any aspect.

The plastics material may comprise polylactic acid (PLA). In thisrespect, the plastics material (and consequently, the sheet) may bebiodegradable. The sheet may solely be formed of PLA, or may be formedof PLA in combination with another material (e.g., another plasticsmaterial).

The sheet may alternatively or additionally be formed of a plasticsmaterial selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate(PET).

In some embodiments the additive comprises a flavourant. In thisrespect, the flavourant may be dispersed from the cooling element to avapour flowing from the aerosol-forming substrate. The flavourant thatis dispersed to the vapour may thus alter the flavour of the vapourprior to it being inhaled by a user. The flavourant may be provided insolid or liquid form. It may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate,fruit flavour (including e.g., citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice(e.g., ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour. The flavourant may beevenly dispersed throughout the cooling element or may be provided inisolated locations and/or varying concentrations throughout the coolingelement.

In some embodiments the additive comprises a phase change material. Thismay facilitate cooling of the aerosol/vapour (generated by theaerosol-forming substrate), by heat exchange, before being inhaled by auser. The additive may comprise both a flavourant (as discussed above)and a phase change material.

The phase change material may be capable of storing and releasing energyduring phase changes. The phase change material may be a solid-liquidphase change material, whereby when the phase change material is heated,it melts from a solid to a liquid and stores the thermal energy. Thephase change material may have a melting point at a temperature that isclose to room temperature (e.g., 25° C. to 35° C.) such that heat fromvapour (that may be hotter than room temperature) passing across thecooling element is transferred to the phase change material (whichstores the heat as latent heat during the phase change). This transferof heat from the vapour to the phase change material may result incooling of the vapour that may facilitate condensation of the vapour soas to form an aerosol. During phase change, the phase change materialremains at a generally consistent temperature, allowing a large amountof heat to be transferred (due to a temperature differential between thevapour and the phase change material) from the vapour to the phasechange material.

The phase change material may be an organic phase change material thatmay, for example, be paraffin (CnH2n+2) based e.g., paraffin with 14 to34 carbons e.g., 20 carbons (icosane/eicosane).

In some embodiments, the additive may be sprayed or coated onto thesurface of the sheet. Alternatively or additionally, the sheet may beimpregnated with the additive. In this respect, the sheet may be aporous sheet (e.g., formed of a porous material).

In some embodiments the sheet is crimped. The sheet may be crimped andgathered (e.g., to form a structure having a high surface area). Wherethe cooling element comprises a flavourant, the high surface area maymaximise dispersion of the flavourant to the aerosol. Similarly, wherethe cooling element comprises a phase change material, the high surfacearea may maximise heat exchange with the aerosol and may thus facilitatecooling of the aerosol. The gathered sheet may define a plurality ofchannels.

In some embodiments the sheet is gathered so as to form a substantiallycylindrical shape. Where the gathered sheet defines channels, thechannels may extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis of thegathered sheet.

The cooling element and the aerosol-forming substrate may be at leastpartly (e.g., completely) circumscribed by a wrapping layer (e.g., apaper wrapping layer). The wrapping layer may overlie an inner foillayer or may comprise a paper/foil laminate (with the foil innermost).

The diameter of the cooling element may substantially match the diameterof the aerosol-forming substrate (with or without its associatedwrapping layer). The axial length of the cooling element may be lessthan 20 mm, e.g., between 8 and 18 mm, for example between 13 and 15 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be capable of being heated to releaseat least one volatile compound that can form an aerosol.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprisesat least one volatile compound that is intended to bevaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreationaland/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/orphysiologically active volatile compounds include the group consistingof: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine andcathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorinA together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plantmaterial may comprise least one plant material selected from the listincluding Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry),Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galeazacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura),Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisusscoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia californica (CaliforniaPoppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica(Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce opium),Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort),Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata(Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip),Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaeacaerulea (Blue Lily), opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower),Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica(Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage),Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellarialateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sidaacuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum(Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus,Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (MaconhaBrava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

Preferably, the plant material is tobacco. Any type of tobacco may beused. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burleytobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco,dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This alsoincludes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includesleaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco,tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobaccoand/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet ofhomogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/stripsformed from such a sheet.

In some embodiments, the sheet used to form the aerosol-formingsubstrate has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m², e.g.,greater than or equal to 110 g/m² such as greater than or equal to 120g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m², e.g.,less than or equal to 250 g/m² or less than or equal to 200 g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m².

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least 50 wt % plantmaterial, e.g., at least 60 wt % plant material e.g., around 65 wt %plant material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise 80 wt % orless plant material, e.g., 75 or 70 wt % or less plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additivesselected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueoussolvents and binders.

Humectants are provided as vapour generators—the resulting vapour helpscarry the volatile active compounds and increases visible vapour.Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol(PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG))and their esters (e.g., glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They may bepresent in the aerosol-forming substrate in an amount between 1 and 50wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lowerlimit of at least 1% by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as atleast 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have an upperlimit of at most 50% by weight of the plant material, such as at most 40wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such as at most 20 wt %.

Preferably, the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, such as 1 to 20 wt %

Suitable binders are known in the art and may comprise starches and/orcellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose,gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum, organic acidsand their salts such as alginic acid/sodium alginate, agar and pectins.

Preferably the binder content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 8 wt %.

Suitable fillers are known in the art and may comprise fibrous fillerssuch as cellulose fibres

Preferably, the filler content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 9 wt %.

Like the flavourant of the cooling element (as described above), theflavourant of the substrate may be provided in solid or liquid form. Itmay include one or more of the flavourants listed above with respect tothe cooling element. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughoutthe aerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locationsand/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventionalcigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10 mm e.g., between 6and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm. It may have an axial length ofbetween 10 and 15 mm e.g., between 11 and 14 mm such as around 12 or 13mm.

The consumable may comprise at least one filter element. There may be aterminal filter element located at a downstream (i.e., mouth) end of theconsumable (i.e., at an opposite end of the consumable to thesubstrate).

The consumable may further comprise an upstream filter element locatedbetween the aerosol-forming substrate and the cooling element. Theupstream filter element may be located adjacent the aerosol-formingsubstrate.

The or each filter element may be comprised of cellulose acetate orpolypropylene tow. The or each filter element may be comprised ofactivated charcoal. The or each filter element may be comprised ofpaper. The or each filter element may be comprised of extruded plantmaterial. The or each filter element (e.g., terminal filter element orupstream filter element) may be circumscribed with a plug wrap, e.g., apaper plug wrap.

The or each filter element may have a substantially cylindrical shapewith a diameter substantially matching the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate (with or without its associated wrappinglayer). The axial length of the or each filter element may be less than20 mm, e.g., between 8 and 15 mm, for example between 9 and 13 mm, e.g.,between 10 and 12 mm.

The or each filter element may be a solid filter element. The or eachfilter element may be a hollow bore filter element. The or each filterelement may have a bore diameter of between 1 and 5 mm, e.g., between 2and 4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm.

Any filter element(s) upstream of the terminal filter element may be atleast partly (e.g., entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrappinglayer.

The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of the consumable)may be joined to upstream filter elements and/or the cooling element bya circumscribing tipping layer e.g., a tipping paper layer. The tippingpaper may have an axial length longer than the axial length of theterminal filter element such that the tipping paper completelycircumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrapping layersurrounding any adjacent upstream filter element or the cooling element.

The or at least one of the filter elements, e.g., the terminal filterelement may include a capsule, e.g., a crushable capsule (crush-ball)containing a liquid flavourant, e.g., any of the flavourants listedabove. The capsule can be crushed by the user during smoking of theconsumable to release the flavourant. The capsule may be located at theaxial centre of the terminal filter element.

The consumable may comprise a spacer element that defines a space orcavity or chamber between the aerosol-forming substrate and thedownstream end of the consumable. The spacer acts to allow both coolingand mixing of the aerosol. The spacer element may comprise a cardboardtube. The spacer element may be at least partly (e.g., entirely)circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer. The spacer may, forexample, be located between the cooling element and one of the filterelements.

The spacer element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10 mm,e.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm. It may have anaxial length of between 10 and 15 mm, e.g., between 12 and 14 mm or 13and 14 mm, e.g., around 14 mm.

In a second aspect of the fourth mode, there is provided a coolingelement for a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable (e.g., such as thatdescribed in the first aspect of the fourth mode) wherein the coolingelement comprises a sheet formed of a plastics material, and an additiveapplied to a surface of the sheet.

The cooling element may be as described with respect to the first aspectof the fourth mode.

In a third aspect of the fourth mode, there is provided a method offorming a cooling element (e.g., such as that described above in thefirst and second aspects), the method comprising providing a sheetformed of a plastics material, applying an additive to a surface of thesheet, and gathering the sheet to form a cooling element.

In some embodiments the step of applying an additive to the surface ofthe sheet is performed separately to the step of gathering the sheet. Inother embodiments, the step of applying an additive to the surface ofthe sheet may be performed concurrently with the step of gathering thesheet.

In some embodiments the step of applying the additive comprises sprayingthe additive onto the surface.

In some embodiments the method further comprises crimping the sheet. Thesheet may be crimped prior to gathering it to form the cooling element.The method may additionally or alternatively comprise forming slits inthe sheet. The slits may be formed prior to crimping the sheet (i.e.,where the crimping step is performed).

The cooling element formed by the method of the third aspect of thefourth mode may be as described above with respect to the first andsecond aspects of the fourth mode. In that respect, the method maycomprise applying a flavourant and/or a phase change material to thesheet.

In a fourth aspect of the fourth mode, there is provided a smokingsubstitute system comprising a HNB consumable according to the firstaspect of the fourth mode and a device comprising a heating element.

The device may be a HNB device i.e., a device adapted to heat but notcombust the aerosol-forming substrate of the HNB consumable.

The device may comprise a main body for housing the heating element. Theheating element may comprise an elongated, e.g., rod, tube-shaped orblade heating element. The heating element may project into or surrounda cavity within the main body for receiving the consumable describedabove.

The device (e.g., the main body) may further comprise an electricalpower supply e.g., a (rechargeable) battery for powering the heatingelement. It may further comprise a control unit to control the supply ofpower to the heating element.

In a fifth aspect of the fourth mode, there is provided a method ofusing a smoking substitute system according to the fourth aspect, themethod comprising inserting the consumable into the device, and heatingthe consumable using the heating element.

In some embodiments, the method comprises inserting the consumable intoa cavity within the main body and penetrating the consumable with theheating element upon insertion of the consumable. For example, theheating element may penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate in theconsumable.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive,a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the aboveaspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except wheremutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may beapplied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature orparameter described herein.

Fifth Mode of the Disclosure

At its most general, the present disclosure relates to anaerosol-forming article e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable.

According to a first aspect of the fifth mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable) comprising a cooling element, the cooling elementcomprising a solid body, formed of a plastics material, defining one ormore axial bores extending through the cooling element.

A solid body may be formed in a single-step process, which mayfacilitate manufacture of the article. Further, a cooling element formedof a solid body may provide structural support (e.g., rigidity) to theaerosol-forming article.

Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or inany combination with any aspect.

In some embodiments the solid body may be one of injection moulded,extruded or additive manufactured. Each of these processes may involveforming the cooling element in a single-step process. That is, the boresmay be formed concurrently with the body (rather than e.g.,machined/cut-out out of the body in a separate process).

In some embodiments the plastics material comprises polylactic acid(PLA) e.g., biodegradable polylactic acid. In this respect, the plasticsmaterial (and consequently, the cooling element) may be biodegradable.The cooling element may solely be formed of PLA, or may be formed of PLAin combination with another material (e.g., another plastics material).

The cooling element may alternatively or additionally be formed of aplastics material selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

In some embodiments the body is substantially tubular. That is, thecooling element may be substantially cylindrical with a bore extendingtherethrough. The bore may have a substantially circular transverseprofile. Alternatively, the bore may have a transverse profile that ise.g., rectangular, triangular, elliptical, etc. The bore may extendalong a central longitudinal axis of the body.

The cooling element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10mm, e.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm, e.g., around 7 mm. It mayhave an axial length of between 10 and 15 mm e.g., between 12 and 14 mmor 13 and 14 mm, e.g., around 14 mm. The bore of the cooling element mayhave a diameter of between 1 and 5 mm, e.g., between 2 and 4 mm orbetween 2 and 3 mm. Alternatively, the bore may have a diameter ofbetween 3 and 7 mm, e.g., between 4 and 6 mm.

In some embodiments, the body may define a plurality of bores (e.g.,two, three, four etc. bores). The bores may be arranged in apredetermined manner. The term ‘predetermined’ means the bores areformed (and arranged) in a deliberate manner, rather than being formedsimply as a consequence of the nature of the material of the coolingelement (e.g., such as pathways being formed between fibres of a fibrousmaterial).

The or each bore may extend so as to be substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis. Alternatively, the or each bore may extend at anangle relative to a longitudinal axis, or may e.g., have a curved(rather than linear) path. The use of injection moulding or additivemanufacturing may be conducive to the inclusion of bores that extendnon-longitudinally (e.g., in a curvilinear or at an angle to thelongitudinal axis). The plurality of bores may be arranged so as tomaximise the surface area of the bores in the cooling element (i.e., tomaximise heat exchange between vapour flowing through the coolingelement and the body of the cooling element).

In some embodiments the cooling element may comprise an additive. Theadditive may comprise a flavourant. In this respect, the flavourant maybe dispersed from the cooling element to vapour flowing through thecooling element. The flavourant that is dispersed to the vapour may thusalter the flavour of the vapour prior to it being inhaled by a user. Theflavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may includementhol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g., citrus,cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) and tobaccoflavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout the coolingelement or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varyingconcentrations throughout the cooling element.

In some embodiments the additive may be sprayed onto, or coated on, thecooling element. The additive may be added to the plastics materialprior to e.g., injection moulding, extrusion or additive manufacturingof the body of the cooling element.

In some embodiments the additive may be in the form of a thread passedthrough the cooling element. The thread may be formed into the coolingelement (e.g., during the injection moulding, extrusion or additivemanufacturing process).

In some embodiments the aerosol-forming article may further comprise anaerosol-forming substrate. The cooling element may be located downstreamof the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are intended torefer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol, i.e., with thedownstream end of the article being the mouth end or outlet where theaerosol exits the article for inhalation by the user. The upstream endof the article is the opposing end to the downstream end.

The aerosol-forming article is preferably a heat-not-burn (HNB)consumable.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release atleast one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of thearticle/consumable.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprisesat least one volatile compound that is intended to bevaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreationaland/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/orphysiologically active volatile compounds include the group consistingof: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine andcathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorinA together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plantmaterial may comprise least one plant material selected from the listincluding Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry),Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galeazacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura),Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisusscoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia californica (CaliforniaPoppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica(Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce opium),Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort),Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata(Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip),Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaeacaerulea (Blue Lily), opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower),Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica(Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage),Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellarialateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sidaacuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum(Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus,Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (MaconhaBrava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

Preferably, the plant material is tobacco. Any type of tobacco may beused. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burleytobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco,dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This alsoincludes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includesleaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco,tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobaccoand/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet ofhomogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/stripsformed from such a sheet.

In some embodiments, the sheet used to form the aerosol-formingsubstrate has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m², e.g.,greater than or equal to 110 g/m² such as greater than or equal to 120g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m2, e.g.,less than or equal to 250 g/m² or less than or equal to 200 g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m².

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least 50 wt % plantmaterial, e.g., at least 60 wt % plant material, e.g., around 65 wt %plant material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise 80 wt % orless plant material e.g., 75 or 70 wt % or less plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additivesselected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueoussolvents and binders.

Humectants are provided as vapour generators—the resulting vapour helpscarry the volatile active compounds and increases visible vapour.Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol(PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG))and their esters (e.g., glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They may bepresent in the aerosol-forming substrate in an amount between 1 and 50wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lowerlimit of at least 1% by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as atleast 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have an upperlimit of at most 50% by weight of the plant material, such as at most 40wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such as at most 20 wt %.

Preferably, the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, such as 1 to 20 wt %

Suitable binders are known in the art and may act to bind together thecomponents forming the aerosol-forming substrate. Binders may comprisestarches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methylcellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum,organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid/sodium alginate, agarand pectins.

Preferably the binder content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 8 wt %.

Suitable fillers are known in the art and may act to strengthen theaerosol-forming substrate. Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco)fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g., woodfibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the filler content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 9 wt %.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aqueous and/or non-aqueoussolvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate has a watercontent of between 5 and 10 wt % e.g., between 6-9 wt % such as between7-9 wt %.

As discussed above, with respect to the cooling element, the flavourantof the substrate may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may includementhol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g., citrus,cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) and tobaccoflavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout theaerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locationsand/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles aconventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10 mm,e.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm, e.g., around 7 mm. It may havean axial length of between 10 and 15 mm, e.g., between 11 and 14 mm suchas around 12 or 13 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be at least partly circumscribed by awrapping layer e.g., a paper wrapping layer. The wrapping layer mayoverlie an inner foil layer or may comprise a paper/foil laminate (withthe foil innermost). The cooling element may be at least partly (e.g.,completely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

The article/consumable may comprise at least one filter element. Theremay be a terminal filter element at the downstream/mouth end of thearticle/consumable. The cooling element may be located between theterminal filter element and the substrate. There may be an upstreamfilter element (upstream of the downstream axial end).

There may be a plurality of, e.g., two filter elements which may beadjacent one another or which may be spaced apart. Any filter element(s)upstream of the terminal filter element may be at least partly (e.g.,entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be comprised of cellulose acetateor polypropylene tow. The at least one filter element (e.g., theterminal filter element/upstream filter element) may be comprised ofactivated charcoal. The at least one filter element (e.g., the terminalelement/upstream filter element) may be comprised of paper. The at leastone filter element (e.g., the terminal element/upstream filter element)may be comprised of plant material e.g., extruded plant material. The oreach filter element may be circumscribed with a plug wrap e.g., a paperplug wrap.

The or each filter element may have a substantially cylindrical shapewith a diameter substantially matching the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate (with or without its associated wrappinglayer). The axial length of the or each filter element may be less than20 mm, e.g., between 8 and 15 mm, for example between 9 and 13 mm, e.g.,between 10 and 12 mm.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be a solid filter element. The orat least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be a hollow bore filter element.The or each hollow bore filter element may have a bore diameter ofbetween 1 and 5 mm, e.g., between 2 and 4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm.

The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of thearticle/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming thearticle/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g., a tippingpaper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than theaxial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping papercompletely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrappinglayer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.

The or at least one of the filter elements e.g., the terminal filterelement may include a capsule, e.g., a crushable capsule (crush-ball)containing a liquid flavourant, e.g., any of the flavourants listedabove. The capsule can be crushed by the user during smoking of thearticle/consumable to release the flavourant. The capsule may be locatedat the axial centre of the filter element.

The article/consumable may comprise a spacer element that defines aspace or cavity or chamber between the aerosol-forming substrate and thedownstream end of the article/consumable. For example, it may beprovided between the aerosol-forming substrate and the upstream filterelement and/or between the two filter elements. The spacer acts to allowboth cooling and mixing of the aerosol. The spacer element may be atubular spacer element, e.g., it may comprise a cardboard tube. Thespacer element may be at least partly (e.g., entirely) circumscribed bythe (paper) wrapping layer.

The spacer element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10 mme.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm, e.g., around 7 mm. It may havean axial length of between 10 and 15 mm, e.g., between 12 and 14 mm or13 and 14 mm, e.g., around 14 mm.

In a second aspect of the fifth mode, there is provided a method forforming a cooling element for an aerosol-forming article, the methodcomprising providing an at least partially molten plastics material,forming the plastics material into a solid body defining one or morebores.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise one of injection moulding,extrusion or additive manufacturing. In this respect, the forming of thesolid body may be a single-step process.

The method may comprise melting, or at least partially melting, theplastics material.

In some embodiments the bores may be formed in the injection moulding,extrusion, or additive manufacturing process (i.e., concurrently as thebody is formed).

Where the method comprises injection moulding, the method may compriseinjecting the at least partially molten plastics material into a mould.The mould may comprise one or more portions (e.g., core plates orportions) defining the one or more bores. Where the method comprisesextrusion, the method may comprise passing the at least partially moltenmaterial through a die. The one or more bores may be formed by e.g., amandrel located in the die. Where the method comprises additivemanufacturing, the additive manufacturing may be in the form of 3dprinting. In this respect, the one or more bores may be formed in theprocess of printing the body (e.g., each printed layer may include anon-printed space that defines a portion of a bore).

In a third aspect of the fifth mode, there is provided a smokingsubstitute system comprising an aerosol-forming article according to thefirst aspect of the fifth mode and a device comprising a heatingelement.

The device may be a HNB device i.e., a device adapted to heat but notcombust the aerosol-forming substrate.

The device may comprise a main body for housing the heating element. Theheating element may comprise an elongated e.g., rod, tube-shaped orblade heating element. The heating element may project into or surrounda cavity within the main body for receiving the article/consumabledescribed above.

The device (e.g., the main body) may further comprise an electricalpower supply e.g., a (rechargeable) battery for powering the heatingelement. It may further comprise a control unit to control the supply ofpower to the heating element.

In a fourth aspect of the fifth mode, there is provided a method ofusing a smoking substitute system according to the third aspect of thefifth mode, the method comprising inserting the article/consumable intothe device, and heating the article/consumable using the heatingelement.

In some embodiments, the method comprises inserting thearticle/consumable into a cavity within the main body and penetratingthe article/consumable with the heating element upon insertion of thearticle/consumable. For example, the heating element may penetrate theaerosol-forming substrate in the article/consumable.

Sixth Mode of the Disclosure

At its most general, the present disclosure relates to anaerosol-forming article e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable having an air flow path into the consumable upstream of aterminal filter element.

According to a first aspect of the sixth mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a filterelement wherein the article comprises at least one radial air flow pathinto the filter element.

By providing at least one radial air flow path into a filter element,air can be drawn into the aerosol-forming substrate as the user inhalesand this air can help to cool and mix the vapour. The cross-sectionalarea of the at least one air flow path and/or the number of radial airflow paths can be tailored to tailor the resistance to draw (RTD) of thearticle/consumable.

Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or inany combination with any aspect.

The aerosol-forming article of the first aspect is preferably aheat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.

The filter element is preferably a solid filter element i.e., with noaxial bore.

In some embodiments, there is a plurality of radial air flow paths whichmay be circumferentially-arranged around the filter element. There maybe a plurality of axially spaced, circumferentially-extending rows ofradial flow paths.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided in a terminal filter elementat the downstream axial end of the article/consumable and/or in anupstream filter element provided upstream from the downstream axial endof the article/consumable and downstream (e.g., adjacent the downstreamaxial end) of the aerosol-forming substrate.

According to a second aspect of the sixth mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a hollowbore filter element wherein the article comprises at least one radialair flow path into the hollow bore filter element.

By providing at least one radial air flow path into a hollow bore filterelement, air can be drawn into the aerosol-forming substrate as the userinhales and this air can help to cool and mix the vapour. Thecross-sectional area of the at least one air flow path and/or the numberof radial air flow paths can be tailored to tailor the resistance todraw (RTD) of the article/consumable.

Further optional features will now be set out. These are applicablesingly or in any combination with any aspect.

The aerosol-forming article of the second aspect of the sixth mode ispreferably a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.

In some embodiments, there is a plurality of radial air flow paths whichmay be circumferentially-arranged around the hollow bore filter element.There may be a plurality of axially spaced, circumferentially-extendingrows of radial flow paths.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided in a terminal hollow borefilter element at the downstream axial end of the article/consumableand/or in an upstream hollow bore filter element provided upstream fromthe downstream axial end of the article/consumable and downstream (e.g.,adjacent the downstream axial end) of the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are intended torefer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol, i.e., with thedownstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outletwhere the aerosol exits the article/consumable for inhalation by theuser. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end tothe downstream end. The axial direction of the article/consumable isaligned with the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e., extendsbetween the upstream and downstream ends of the article/consumable. Theradial air flow path(s) extend(s) substantially perpendicularly to theaxial direction/flow direction of the vapour/aerosol.

Where the radial air flow path(s) is/are provided in a terminal filterelement or a terminal hollow bore filter element, the article/consumablemay further comprise an upstream filter element which may be a hollowbore filter element comprising a further at least one radial air flowpath (as described above), a hollow bore filter element with no radialflow path or a solid filter element.

Where the radial air flow path(s) is/are provided in an upstream filterelement (e.g., adjacent the downstream axial end of the aerosol-formingsubstrate), the article/consumable may further comprise a terminalfilter element which may be a hollow bore filter element comprising afurther at least one radial air flow path (as described above), a hollowbore filter element with no radial flow path or a solid filter element.

In some embodiments, the article/consumable may further comprise aspacer element or an aerosol-cooling element upstream and axiallyadjacent the terminal filter element. The spacer/aerosol-cooling elementmay be interposed between the upstream filter element and the terminalfilter element, e.g., between the upstream hollow bore filter elementand the terminal hollow bore filter element.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be circumscribed by a wrapping layer,e.g., a paper wrapping layer. The wrapping layer may overlie an innerfoil layer or may comprise a paper/foil laminate (with the foilinnermost).

The spacer/aerosol-cooling element may be at least partly (e.g.,entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer. The upstreamfilter element (e.g., the upstream filter element) may be at leastpartly (e.g., entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more ventilationholes provided in the wrapping layer surrounding the upstream filterelement. There may be a plurality of ventilation holes circumferentiallyarranged around the upstream filter element e.g., a plurality of axiallyspaced, circumferentially-extending rows of ventilation holes.

The terminal filter element may be joined to the upstream elementsforming the article/consumable (e.g., the upstream filter element and/orthe spacer/aerosol-cooling element) by a circumscribing tipping layer,e.g., a tipping paper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial lengthlonger than the axial length of the terminal filter element such thatthe tipping paper completely circumscribes the terminal filter elementplus the wrapping layer surrounding any adjacent upstream element (e.g.,the adjacent spacer element or aerosol-cooling element).

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more ventilationholes provided in the tipping layer surrounding the terminal filterelement. There may be a plurality of ventilation holes circumferentiallyarranged around the terminal filter element, e.g., a plurality ofaxially spaced, circumferentially-extending rows of ventilation holes.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more radial boresprovided in the upstream filter element and/or the terminal filterelement. There may be a plurality of radial bores circumferentiallyarranged around the upstream filter element and/or the terminal filterelement e.g., a plurality of axially spaced, circumferentially-extendingrows of radial bores.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more ventilationholes provided in the tipping layer surrounding the terminal hollow borefilter element. There may be a plurality of ventilation holescircumferentially arranged around the terminal hollow bore filterelement, e.g., a plurality of axially spaced,circumferentially-extending rows of ventilation holes.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more radial boresprovided in the upstream hollow bore filter element and/or the terminalhollow bore filter element. There may be a plurality of radial borescircumferentially arranged around the upstream hollow bore filterelement and/or the terminal hollow bore filter element, e.g., aplurality of axially spaced, circumferentially-extending rows of radialbores.

The radial bore(s) may extend through the terminal/upstream filterelement and join the axial bore of the terminal/upstream filter element.

The radial bore(s) in the upstream filter element may be aligned oroverlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the wrapping layer.

The radial bore(s) in the terminal filter element may be aligned oroverlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the tipping layer.

The radial bore(s) in the terminal hollow filter element may be alignedor overlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the tipping layer.

The or each filter element is formed of a smoke-permeable material. Theterminal and/or upstream filter element(s) may be comprised of celluloseacetate or polypropylene tow. The terminal and/or upstream filterelement(s) may be comprised of activated charcoal. The terminal and/orupstream filter element(s) may be comprised of paper. The terminaland/or upstream filter element(s) may each be circumscribed with arespective plug wrap e.g., a paper plug wrap.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more ventilationholes provided in the respective plug wrap circumscribing the upstreamfilter element and/or the terminal filter element. There may be aplurality of ventilation holes in the plug wrap(s) circumferentiallyarranged around the upstream filter element and/or the terminal filterelement e.g., a plurality of axially spaced, circumferentially-extendingrows of ventilation holes.

The radial bore(s) in the upstream hollow filter element may be alignedor overlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the upstream filterelement plug wrap.

The radial bore(s) in the terminal hollow filter element may be alignedor overlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the downstream filterelement plug wrap.

The radial air flow path(s) may be provided by one or more ventilationholes provided in the respective plug wrap circumscribing the upstreamhollow bore filter element and/or the terminal hollow bore filterelement. There may be a plurality of ventilation holes in the plugwrap(s) circumferentially arranged around the upstream hollow borefilter element and/or the terminal hollow bore filter element, e.g., aplurality of axially spaced, circumferentially-extending rows ofventilation holes.

The radial bore(s) in the upstream hollow filter element may be alignedor overlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the upstream filterelement plug wrap.

The radial bore(s) in the terminal hollow filter element may be alignedor overlapping with the ventilation hole(s) in the downstream filterelement plug wrap.

The porosity of the upstream filter element may be greater than theporosity of the terminal filter element.

The terminal and/or upstream filter element(s) may each have asubstantially cylindrical shape with a diameter substantially matchingthe diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate (with or without itsassociated wrapping layer). The axial length of the or each filterelement may be less than 20 mm, e.g., between 8 and 15 mm, for examplebetween 9 and 13 mm e.g., between 10 and 12 mm.

The aerosol-cooling element is adapted to cool the aerosol generatedfrom the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) before beinginhaled by the user.

The hollow bore terminal filter element(s) may have a bore diameter ofbetween 1 and 5 mm, e.g., between 2 and 4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm. Thediameter of the axial bore in the upstream hollow bore filter elementmay be greater than the diameter of the axial bore in the terminalfilter element.

The aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a plastics materialselected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).The aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a crimped/gathered sheet ofmaterial to form a structure having a high surface area with a pluralityof longitudinal channels to maximise heat exchange and cooling of theaerosol.

The spacer element defines a space or cavity or chamber between theaerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of thearticle/consumable, e.g., between the upstream and terminal filterelements. The spacer element acts to allow both cooling and mixing ofthe aerosol. The spacer element may have a tubular wall, e.g., formed ofcardboard.

The spacer element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10 mm,e.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm, e.g., around 7 mm. It may havean axial length of between 10 and 15 mm, e.g., between 12 and 14 mm or13 and 14 mm, e.g., around 14 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release atleast one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of thearticle/consumable.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprisesat least one volatile compound that is intended to bevaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreationaland/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/orphysiologically active volatile compounds include the group consistingof: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine andcathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorinA together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plantmaterial may comprise least one plant material selected from the listincluding Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry),Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galeazacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura),Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisusscoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia californica (CaliforniaPoppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica(Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce opium),Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort),Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata(Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip),Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaeacaerulea (Blue Lily), opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower),Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica(Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage),Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellarialateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sidaacuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum(Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus,Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (MaconhaBrava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

Preferably, the plant material is tobacco. Any type of tobacco may beused. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burleytobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco,dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This alsoincludes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includesleaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco,tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobaccoand/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet ofhomogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/stripsformed from such a sheet.

In some embodiments, the sheet used to form the aerosol-formingsubstrate has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m², e.g.,greater than or equal to 110 g/m², such as greater than or equal to 120g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m², e.g.,less than or equal to 250 g/m² or less than or equal to 200 g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m².

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least 50 wt % plantmaterial, e.g., at least 60 wt % plant material, e.g., around 65 wt %plant material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise 80 wt % orless plant material, e.g., 75 or 70 wt % or less plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additivesselected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueoussolvents and binders.

Humectants are provided as vapour generators—the resulting vapour helpscarry the volatile active compounds and increases visible vapour.Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol(PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG))and their esters (e.g., glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They may bepresent in the aerosol-forming substrate in an amount between 1 and 50wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lowerlimit of at least 1% by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as atleast 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have an upperlimit of at most 50% by weight of the plant material, such as at most 40wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such as at most 20 wt %.

Preferably, the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, such as 1 to 20 wt %

Suitable binders are known in the art and may act to bind together thecomponents forming the aerosol-forming substrate. Binders may comprisestarches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methylcellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum,organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid/sodium alginate, agarand pectins.

Preferably the binder content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, e.g., around 6 to 8 wt %.

Suitable fillers are known in the art and may act to strengthen theaerosol-forming substrate. Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco)fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g., woodfibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the filler content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, e.g., around 6 to 9 wt %.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aqueous and/or non-aqueoussolvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate has a watercontent of between 5 and 10 wt % e.g., between 6-9 wt % such as between7-9 wt %.

The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may includementhol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g., citrus,cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) and tobaccoflavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout theaerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locationsand/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles aconventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10 mm,e.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm, e.g., around 7 mm. It may havean axial length of between 10 and 15 mm, e.g., between 11 and 14 mm suchas around 12 or 13 mm.

In a third aspect of the sixth mode, there is provided a solid filterelement for an aerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitutearticle such as an HNB consumable), the solid filter element comprisingat least one radial bore.

The term “solid filter element” is used to describe a filter element hothaving an axial bore.

There may be a plurality of radial bores circumferentially arrangedaround the filter element, e.g., a plurality of axially spaced,circumferentially-extending rows of radial bores.

In a fourth aspect of the sixth mode, there is provided a filter elementfor an aerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article suchas an HNB consumable), the filter element comprising an axial bore andat least one radial bore.

There may be a plurality of radial bores circumferentially arrangedaround the hollow bore filter element, e.g., a plurality of axiallyspaced, circumferentially-extending rows of radial bores. The radialbore(s) may extend through the filter element and join the axial bore ofthe filter element.

The filter element is formed of a smoke-permeable material. The filterelement may be comprised of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow. Thefilter element may be comprised of activated charcoal. The filterelement may be comprised of paper.

The filter element may be circumscribed with a plug wrap, e.g., a paperplug wrap.

The plug wrap may comprise one or more ventilation holes. There may be aplurality of ventilation holes in the plug wrap circumferentiallyarranged around the filter element, e.g., a plurality of axially spaced,circumferentially-extending rows of ventilation holes.

The radial bore(s) in the filter element may be aligned or overlappingwith the ventilation hole(s) in the plug wrap.

The filter element may each have a substantially cylindrical shape. Theaxial length of the filter element may be less than 20 mm, e.g., between8 and 15 mm, for example between 9 and 13 mm, e.g., between 10 and 12mm.

In a fifth aspect of the sixth mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable) comprising at least one filter element according to thethird aspect of the sixth mode.

In a sixth aspect of the sixth mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable) comprising at least one filter element according to thefourth aspect of the sixth mode.

In a seventh aspect of the sixth mode, there is provided a smokingsubstitute system comprising an aerosol-forming article according to thefirst, second, fifth or sixth aspects of the sixth mode and a devicecomprising a heating element.

The device may be a HNB device i.e., a device adapted to heat but notcombust the aerosol-forming substrate.

The device may comprise a main body for housing the heating element. Theheating element may comprise an elongated e.g., rod, tube-shaped orblade heating element. The heating element may project into or surrounda cavity within the main body for receiving the article/consumabledescribed above.

The device (e.g., the main body) may further comprise an electricalpower supply e.g., a (rechargeable) battery for powering the heatingelement. It may further comprise a control unit to control the supply ofpower to the heating element.

In an eighth aspect of the sixth mode, there is provided a method ofusing a smoking substitute system according to the seventh aspect of thesixth mode, the method comprising:

inserting the article/consumable into the device; and

heating the article/consumable using the heating element.

In some embodiments, the method comprises inserting thearticle/consumable into a cavity within the main body and penetratingthe article/consumable with the heating element upon insertion of thearticle/consumable. For example, the heating element may penetrate theaerosol-forming substrate in the article/consumable.

Seventh Mode of the Disclosure

At its most general, the present disclosure relates to anaerosol-forming article e.g., a smoking substitute article such as anHNB consumable comprising a cooling element formed of a plasticsmaterial.

According to a first aspect of the seventh mode, there is provided anaerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as aHNB consumable) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a downstreamcooling element formed of a granular or foamed plastics material.

The provision of a cooling element comprising a granular or foamedplastics material results in a large surface area for effecting coolingof a vapour/aerosol (by heat transfer between the granules/foam andvapour/aerosol).

Further optional features will now be set out. These are applicablesingly or in any combination with any aspect.

In some embodiments, the granular plastics material may be combined soas to form a unitary structure. In this respect, the granules may becompressed together so as to form the cooling element. The granules maybe compressed so as to be formed into a structure having a plurality ofchannels extending therethrough. Due to the nature of the granules, thechannels may be formed in a random manner (i.e., the cooling element maycomprise a network of channels arranged in a substantially randommanner).

In other embodiments, the granular plastics material may be containedwithin a containment sleeve, e.g., a paper or cardboard or plasticsmaterial containment sleeve.

The plastic material foam may be formed of an expanded plastic material.It preferably has an open-cell structure. The open cell structure may beformed by incorporating insert gas into a resinous or molten plasticsmaterial under pressure and then releasing the gas/plastics materialmixing to atmospheric pressure prior to curing.

In some embodiments the plastics material may comprise polylactic acid(PLA) e.g., biodegradable-PLA. In this respect, the plastics material(and consequently, the cooling element) may be biodegradable. Thecooling element may solely be formed of PLA, or may be formed of PLA incombination with another material (e.g., another plastics material).

The cooling element may alternatively or additionally be formed of aplastics material selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

In some embodiments the cooling element may comprise an additive. Theadditive may comprise a flavourant. In this respect, the flavourant maybe dispersed from the cooling element to vapour/aerosol flowing throughthe cooling element. The flavourant that is dispersed to the vapour maythus alter the flavour of the vapour prior to it being inhaled by auser. The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It mayinclude menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g.,citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) andtobacco flavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout thecooling element or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varyingconcentrations throughout the cooling element.

In some embodiments the additive may be sprayed or coated onto thecooling element (e.g., granules or foam). Where the cooling elementcomprises a granular plastics material, the additive may be applied(e.g., sprayed or coated) onto the granules prior to the granules beingcombined to form the cooling element e.g., by compression or containmentwithin a sleeve.

In some embodiments, the additive may be applied by injecting theadditive into the cooling element. The additive may be applied by way ofimpregnation of the additive in the cooling element. For example, theporous nature of a cooling element formed of a foam may be suited toimpregnation of the additive.

In some embodiments the additive may be in the form of a thread passedthrough the cooling element. The thread may be formed into the coolingelement. For example, where the cooling element comprises a granularplastics material, the thread may be compressed together with thegranules to form the cooling element.

In some embodiments the cooling element may have a generally cylindricalform. The cooling element may have an external diameter of between 5 and10 mm, e.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm, e.g., around 7 mm. It mayhave an axial length of between 5 and 15 mm, e.g., between 6 and 15 mmor between 7 and 14 mm, e.g., around 14 mm.

In some embodiments the cooling element may comprise a bore extendinglongitudinally therethrough. The bore may extend along a centrallongitudinal axis of the cooling element. The bore may have a circulartransverse cross-section or may have a square, triangular, elliptical,etc. cross section. Where the bore is circular, the ratio of thediameter of the bore to the diameter of the cooling element may bebetween 0.5:1 and 0.9:1, e.g., between 0.6:1 and 0.8:1. The diameter ofthe bore may be between 2 and 6 mm, e.g., between 4 and 6 mm, e.g., 5and 6 mm.

The aerosol-forming article is preferably a heat-not-burn (HNB)consumable.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release atleast one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. Theaerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of thearticle/consumable.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are intended torefer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e., with thedownstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outletwhere the aerosol exits the article/consumable for inhalation by theuser. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end tothe downstream end.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprisesat least one volatile compound that is intended to bevaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreationaland/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/orphysiologically active volatile compounds include the group consistingof: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine andcathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorinA together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plantmaterial may comprise least one plant material selected from the listincluding Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry),Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galeazacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura),Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisusscoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia californica (CaliforniaPoppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica(Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce opium),Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort),Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata(Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip),Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaeacaerulea (Blue Lily), opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower),Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica(Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage),Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellarialateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sidaacuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum(Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus,Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (MaconhaBrava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/orsynthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

Preferably, the plant material is tobacco. Any type of tobacco may beused. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burleytobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco,dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This alsoincludes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includesleaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco,tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco,homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobaccoand/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet ofhomogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/stripsformed from such a sheet.

In some embodiments, the sheet used to form the aerosol-formingsubstrate has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m², e.g.,greater than or equal to 110 g/m² such as greater than or equal to 120g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m², e.g.,less than or equal to 250 g/m² or less than or equal to 200 g/m².

The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m².

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least 50 wt % plantmaterial, e.g., at least 60 wt % plant material e.g., around 65 wt %plant material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise 80 wt % orless plant material e.g., 75 or 70 wt % or less plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additivesselected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueoussolvents and binders.

Humectants are provided as vapour generators—the resulting vapour helpscarry the volatile active compounds and increases visible vapour.Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol(PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG))and their esters (e.g., glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They may bepresent in the aerosol-forming substrate in an amount between 1 and 50wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lowerlimit of at least 1% by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as atleast 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.

The humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have an upperlimit of at most 50% by weight of the plant material, such as at most 40wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such as at most 20 wt %.

Preferably, the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate, such as 1 to 20 wt %

Suitable binders are known in the art and may act to bind together thecomponents forming the aerosol-forming substrate. Binders may comprisestarches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methylcellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum,organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid/sodium alginate, agarand pectins.

Preferably the binder content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 8 wt %.

Suitable fillers are known in the art and may act to strengthen theaerosol-forming substrate. Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco)fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g., woodfibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the filler content is 5 to 10 wt % of the aerosol-formingsubstrate e.g., around 6 to 9 wt %.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aqueous and/or non-aqueoussolvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate has a watercontent of between 5 and 10 wt % e.g., between 6-9 wt % such as between7-9 wt %.

The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may includementhol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g., citrus,cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) and tobaccoflavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout theaerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locationsand/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles aconventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10 mm,e.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm, e.g., around 7 mm. It may havean axial length of between 10 and 15 mm, e.g., between 11 and 14 mm suchas around 12 or 13 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be at least partly circumscribed by awrapping layer, e.g., a paper wrapping layer. The wrapping layer mayoverlie an inner foil layer or may comprise a paper/foil laminate (withthe foil innermost).

The article/consumable may comprise at least one filter element. Theremay be a terminal filter element at the downstream/mouth end of thearticle/consumable. There may be an upstream filter element which may beaxially adjacent to or axially spaced from the terminal filter element,e.g., axially spaced by the cooling element.

The cooling element and/or upstream filter element may be at leastpartly (e.g., entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be comprised of cellulose acetateor polypropylene tow. The at least one filter element (e.g., theterminal filter element/upstream filter element) may be comprised ofactivated charcoal. The at least one of the filter elements (e.g., theterminal element/upstream filter element) may be comprised of paper. Theor at least one of the filter elements (e.g., the terminalelement/upstream filter element) may be comprised of plant materiale.g., extruded plant material. The or each filter element may becircumscribed with a plug wrap e.g., a paper plug wrap.

The or each filter element may have a substantially cylindrical shapewith a diameter substantially matching the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate (with or without its associated wrappinglayer). The axial length of the or each filter element may be less than20 mm, e.g., between 8 and 15 mm, for example between 9 and 13 mm e.g.,between 10 and 12 mm.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be a solid filter element. The orat least one of the filter element(s) (e.g., the terminal filterelement/upstream filter element) may be a hollow bore filter element.The or each hollow bore filter element may have a bore diameter ofbetween 1 and 5 mm, e.g., between 2 and 4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm.

The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of thearticle/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming thearticle/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer, e.g., a tippingpaper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than theaxial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping papercompletely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrappinglayer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.

The or at least one of the filter elements, e.g., the terminal filterelement may include a capsule e.g., a crushable capsule (crush-ball)containing a liquid flavourant e.g., any of the flavourants listedabove. The capsule can be crushed by the user during smoking of thearticle/consumable to release the flavourant. The capsule may be locatedat the axial centre of the filter element.

Where the terminal filter element comprises a bore, the bore of thecooling element may have a larger diameter than the bore of the terminalfilter element.

Where the article/consumable comprises a hollow bore upstream filterelement, upstream of the cooling element, the bore of the coolingelement may have a larger diameter than the bore of the upstream filterelement.

The article/consumable may comprise a spacer element that defines aspace or cavity or chamber between the aerosol-forming substrate and thedownstream end of the article/consumable. For example, it may beprovided between the aerosol-forming substrate and the upstream filterelement and/or between the upstream filter element and the coolingelement filter. The spacer acts to allow both cooling and mixing of theaerosol. The spacer element may be a tubular spacer element e.g., it maycomprise a cardboard tube. The spacer element may be at least partly(e.g., entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

The spacer element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10 mm,e.g., between 6 and 9 mm or 6 and 8 mm, e.g., around 7 mm. It may havean axial length of between 5 and 10 mm, e.g., between 5 and 8 mm orbetween 6 and 8 mm e.g., around 7 mm.

In a second aspect of the seventh mode, there is provided a smokingsubstitute system comprising an aerosol-forming article according to thefirst aspect of the seventh mode and a device comprising a heatingelement.

The device may be a HNB device, i.e., a device adapted to heat but notcombust the aerosol-forming substrate.

The device may comprise a main body for housing the heating element. Theheating element may comprise an elongated, e.g., rod, tube-shaped orblade heating element. The heating element may project into or surrounda cavity within the main body for receiving the article/consumabledescribed above.

The device (e.g., the main body) may further comprise an electricalpower supply e.g., a (rechargeable) battery for powering the heatingelement. It may further comprise a control unit to control the supply ofpower to the heating element.

In a third aspect of the seventh mode, there is provided a method ofusing a smoking substitute system according to the second aspect of theseventh mode, the method comprising:

inserting the article/consumable into the device; and

heating the article/consumable using the heating element.

In some embodiments, the method comprises inserting thearticle/consumable into a cavity within the main body and penetratingthe article/consumable with the heating element upon insertion of thearticle/consumable. For example, the heating element may penetrate theaerosol-forming substrate in the article/consumable.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive,a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the aboveaspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except wheremutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may beapplied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature orparameter described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

So that the disclosure may be understood, and so that further aspectsand features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating theprinciples of the disclosure will now be discussed in further detailwith reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a first mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the first mode of an HNB consumable

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the first mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment of the first mode within a deviceforming an HNB system;

FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of a second mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the second mode of an HNBconsumable;

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the second mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 8 shows the first embodiment of the second mode within a deviceforming an HNB system;

FIG. 9 shows a first embodiment of a third mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the third mode of an HNBconsumable;

FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the third mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 12 shows the first embodiment of the third mode within a deviceforming an HNB system.

FIG. 13 shows a first embodiment of a fourth mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 14 shows a second embodiment of the fourth mode an HNB consumable

FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment of the fourth mode an HNB consumable;

FIG. 16 shows the first embodiment of the fourth mode of FIG. 13 withina device forming an HNB system.

FIG. 17 shows a first embodiment of the fifth mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 18 shows a second embodiment of the fifth mode of an HNB consumable

FIG. 19 shows a third embodiment of the fifth mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 20 shows the first embodiment of the fifth mode of FIG. 17 within adevice forming an HNB system.

FIG. 21 shows a first embodiment of a sixth mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 22 shows a second embodiment of the sixth mode of an HNBconsumable;

FIG. 23 shows a third embodiment of the sixth mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 24 shows the first embodiment of the sixth mode of FIG. 21 within adevice forming an HNB system;

FIG. 25 shows a fourth embodiment of the sixth mode of an HNBconsumable;

FIG. 26 shows a fifth embodiment of the sixth mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 27 shows a sixth embodiment of the sixth mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 28 shows the fourth embodiment of the sixth mode of FIG. 25 withina device forming an HNB system.

FIG. 29 shows a first embodiment of a seventh mode of an HNB consumable;

FIG. 30 shows a second embodiment of the seventh mode of an HNBconsumable

FIG. 31 shows a third embodiment of the seventh mode of an HNBconsumable;

FIG. 32 shows the first embodiment of the seventh mode within a deviceforming an HNB system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

First Mode of the Disclosure:

As shown in FIG. 1, the HNB consumable 1 comprises an aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 at the upstream end of the consumable 1.

The aerosol-forming substrate comprises reconstituted tobacco whichincludes nicotine as a volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 comprises 65 wt % tobacco which isprovided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet ofslurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of ahumectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) andhas a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-formingsubstrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 is formed in a substantially cylindricalshape such that the consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. Ithas diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 is circumscribed by a paper wrappinglayer 3.

The consumable 1 comprises an upstream filter element 4 and a downstream(terminal) filter element 5. The upstream and terminal filter elements4, 5 are spaced by an intermediate hollow bore filter element 6. Allfilter elements 4, 5, 6 are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrappedwith a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

All filter elements have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameterof the upstream filter element 4 and intermediate hollow bore filterelement 6 matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 2. Thediameter of the terminal filter element 5 is slightly larger and matchesthe combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 2 and thewrapping layer 3.

The upstream filter element 4 is slightly shorter in axial length thanthe terminal filter element 5 at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12mm for the terminal filter element 5. The intermediate filter element 6is longer than each of the two filter elements 4, 5 having an axiallength of around 14 mm.

Each filter element 4, 5, 6 is a hollow bore filter element with ahollow, longitudinally-extending axial bore. The diameter of the bore inthe upstream filter element 4 is slightly larger than the diameter ofthe bore in the terminal filter element 5 having a diameter of 3 mmcompared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 5.

The intermediate hollow bore filter element 6 has the largest borediameter at around 5 or 6 mm.

The upstream filter element 4 and intermediate filter element 6 arecircumscribed by the wrapping layer 3.

The terminal filter element 5 is joined to the upstream elements formingthe consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 7. The tippinglayer 7 encircles the terminal filter element 5 and has an axial lengthof around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the intermediatefilter element 6.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the first mode of a consumable 1′which is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 except that the terminalfilter element 5 is a solid filter element and comprises a crushablecapsule 8 (crush-ball) having a shell wall containing a liquid mentholor cherry or vanilla flavourant. The capsule 8 is spherical and has adiameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial centre of theterminal filter element 5.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the first mode of a consumable 1″which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer3 does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 6 such thatthere is an annular gap 9 between the tipping layer 7 and theintermediate filter element 6 downstream of the end of the wrappinglayer 3.

FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 10comprising a rod-shaped heating element 20. The heating element 20projects into a cavity 11 within the main body 12 of the device.

The consumable 1 is inserted into the cavity 11 of the main body 12 ofthe device 10 such that the heating rod 20 penetrates theaerosol-forming substrate 2. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in theaerosol-forming substrate 2 is effected by powering the heating element(e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco isheated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within thetobacco and the humectant are released as a vapour and entrained withinan airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filterelement 5.

As the vapour cools within the upstream filter element 4 and theintermediate filter element 6, it condenses to form an aerosolcontaining the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

Second Mode of the Disclosure

As shown in FIG. 5, the HNB consumable 1 a comprises an aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 a at the upstream end of the consumable 1 a.

The aerosol-forming substrate comprises reconstituted tobacco whichincludes nicotine as a volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 a comprises 65 wt % tobacco which isprovided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet ofslurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of ahumectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) andhas a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 a further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gumbinder.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 a is formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventionalcigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 a is circumscribed by a paper wrappinglayer 3 a.

The consumable 1 a comprises an upstream filter element 4 a and adownstream (terminal) filter element 5 a. The two filter elements 4 a, 5a are spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 6 a. Both filter elements 4 a, 5a are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respectivepaper plug layer (not shown).

Both filter elements have a substantially cylindrical shape. Thediameter of the upstream filter 4 a matches the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 a. The diameter of the terminal filterelement 5 a is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 a and the wrapping layer 3 a. The upstreamfilter element is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminalfilter element at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for theterminal filter element.

The cardboard tube spacer is longer than each of the two filter elementshaving an axial length of around 14 mm.

Both filter elements 4 a, 5 a are hollow bore filter elements with ahollow, longitudinally-extending axial bore. The diameter of the axialbore in the upstream filter 4 a is slightly larger than the diameter ofthe axial bore in the terminal filter element 5 a having a diameter of 3mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element.

The cardboard tube spacer 6 a and the upstream filter element 4 a arecircumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 a.

The terminal filter element 5 a is joined to the upstream elementsforming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 7 a. Thetipping layer 7 a encircles the terminal filter element 5 a and has anaxial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of thecardboard tube spacer 6 a.

A plurality of radial air flow paths are provided by ventilation holes13 aa, 13 ba which are circumferentially arranged around the cardboardspacer element 6 proximal the join between the spacer element 6 a andthe terminal filter element 5 a. The ventilation holes 13 aa, 13 ba areprovided through and aligned in all of the tipping layer 7 a, wrappinglayer 3 a and the tubular wall of the spacer element 6 a.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 1 a′ which is the sameas the first embodiment except that the upstream filter element 4 a′ isa solid filter element and incudes a crushball 8 a which contains aflavourant.

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 1 a″ which is the sameas the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 3 a does notcompletely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 6 a such that there isan annular gap 9 a between the tipping layer 7 a and the cardboard tubespacer 6 a downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 3 a.

FIG. 8 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 10 acomprising a rod-shaped heating element 20 a. The heating element 20 aprojects into a cavity 11 a within the main body 12 a of the device.

The consumable 1 a is inserted into the cavity 11 a of the main body 12a of the device 10 a such that the heating rod 20 a penetrates theaerosol-forming substrate 2 a. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco inthe aerosol-forming substrate 2 a is effected by powering the heatingelement (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobaccois heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within thetobacco and the humectant are released as a vapour and entrained withinan airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filterelement 5 a.

As the vapour cools within the upstream filter element 4 a and thecardboard tube spacer 6 a, it condenses to form an aerosol containingthe volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

Inhalation by the user also draws in air along the radial flow pathsthrough the ventilation holes 13 aa, 13 ba. This air helps to cool andmix the vapour within the chamber defined by the spacer element 6 a.

Third Mode of the Disclosure:

As shown in FIG. 9, the HNB consumable 1 b comprises an aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 b at the upstream end of the consumable 1 b.

The aerosol-forming substrate comprises reconstituted tobacco whichincludes nicotine as a volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 b comprises 65 wt % tobacco which isprovided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet ofslurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of ahumectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) andhas a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-formingsubstrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gumbinder.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 b is formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventionalcigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 b is circumscribed by a paper wrappinglayer 3 b.

The consumable 1 b comprises an upstream filter element 4 b and adownstream (terminal) filter element 5 b.

The two filter elements 4 b, 5 b and spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 6b. Both filter elements 4 b, 5 b are formed of cellulose acetate tow andwrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

Both filter elements have a substantially cylindrical shape. Thediameter of the upstream filter element 4 b matches the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 b. The diameter of the terminal filterelement 5 b is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 b and the wrapping layer 3 b. The upstreamfilter element 4 b is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminalfilter element 5 b at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for theterminal filter element 5 b.

The cardboard tube spacer 6 b is longer than each of the two filterelements 4 b, 5 b having an axial length of around 14 mm. It is linedwith a layer of aluminium foil 13 b.

Each filter element 4 b, 5 b is a hollow bore filter element with ahollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in theupstream filter is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in theterminal filter having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for theterminal filter element 5 b.

The cardboard tube spacer 6 b and the upstream filter element 4 b arecircumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 b.

The terminal filter element 5 b is joined to the upstream elementsforming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 7 b. Thetipping layer 7 b encircles the terminal filter element 5 b and has anaxial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of thecardboard tube spacer 6 b.

FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 1 b′ which is the sameas that shown in FIG. 9 except that the terminal filter element 5 b is asolid filter element and comprises a crushable capsule 8 b (crush-ball)having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanillaflavourant. The capsule 8 b is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm.It is positioned within the axial centre of the terminal filter element5 b.

FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 1 b″ which is the sameas the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 3 b does notcompletely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 6 b such that there isan annular gap 9 b between the tipping layer 7 b and the cardboard tubespacer 6 b downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 3 b.

FIG. 12 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 10 bcomprising a rod-shaped heating element 20 b. The heating element 20 bprojects into a cavity 11 b within the main body 12 b of the device.

The consumable 1 b is inserted into the cavity 11 b of the main body 12b of the device 10 b such that the heating rod 20 b penetrates theaerosol-forming substrate 2 b. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco inthe aerosol-forming substrate 2 b is effected by powering the heatingelement (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobaccois heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within thetobacco and the humectant are released as a vapour and entrained withinan airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filterelement 5 b.

The aluminium foil lining 13 b on the cardboard tube spacer 6 b preventscondensation of the vapour on the inside of the spacer 6 b such thatmore of the volatile compounds and visible vapour (humectants) reach theterminal filter element for inhalation by the user.

Fourth Mode of the Disclosure

As shown in FIG. 13, the HNB consumable 1 c comprises an aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 c at the upstream end of the consumable 1 c.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 c comprises reconstituted tobacco whichincludes nicotine as a volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 c comprises 65 wt % tobacco which isprovided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet ofslurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of ahumectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) andhas a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 c further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gumbinder.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 c is formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventionalcigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 c is circumscribed by a paper wrappinglayer 3 c.

The consumable 1 c comprises an upstream filter element 4 c and adownstream (terminal) filter element 5 c. Both filter elements 4 c, 5 care formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paperplug layer (not shown).

Both filter elements 4 c, 5 c have a substantially cylindrical shape.The diameter of the upstream filter 4 c matches the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 c. The diameter of the terminal filterelement 5 c is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 c and the wrapping layer 3 c. The upstreamfilter element 4 c is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminalfilter element 5 c at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for theterminal filter element 5 c.

Each filter element 4 c, 5 c is a hollow bore filter element with ahollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in theupstream filter 4 c is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore inthe terminal filter 5 c having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm forthe terminal filter element 5 c.

The consumable further comprises a cooling element 7 c located betweenthe upstream filter element 4 c and the downstream (i.e., terminal)filter element 5 c. The cooling element 7 c comprises a sheet formed ofa plastics material, comprising polylactic acid (PLA), and an additiveapplied to (e.g., sprayed/coated onto) a surface of the sheet. The useof PLA to form the sheet may mean the cooling element 7 c isbiodegradable.

Although not apparent from the figure, the sheet of the cooling element7 c may be crimped and gathered to form a substantially cylindricalstructure having a high surface area.

The additive (applied to the surface of the sheet) comprises aflavourant e.g., menthol or a phase change material e.g., eicosane.

The cooling element 7 c and the upstream filter element 4 c arecircumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 c. The filter element is longerthan each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14mm.

The terminal filter element 5 c is joined to the upstream elementsforming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 6 c. Thetipping layer 6 c encircles the terminal filter portion and has an axiallength of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the filterelement 7 c.

FIG. 14 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 1 c′ which is the sameas that shown in FIG. 13 except that the consumable 1 c′ comprises acardboard spacer tube 8 c, and the terminal filter element 5 c is asolid filter element and comprises a crushable capsule 9 c (crush-ball).The crushable capsule 9 c has a shell wall which may contain a liquidmenthol or cherry or vanilla flavourant. The capsule 8 is spherical andhas a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial centre ofthe terminal filter portion 5 c.

The cardboard spacer tube 8 c is disposed between the cooling element 7c and the upstream filter 4 c, and acts to allow both cooling and mixingof the aerosol. The cardboard tube spacer 8 c is approximately the samelength as the cooling element 7 c and has an axial length of around 7mm. The cardboard spacer tube 8 c, upstream filter element 4 c, andcooling element 7 c are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 c.

FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 1 c″ which is the sameas the first embodiment except that it comprises (like the embodiment ofFIG. 14) a cardboard spacer tube 8 c. Further, the wrapping layer 3 cdoes not completely circumscribe the cardboard spacer tube 8 c such thatthere is an annular gap 10 c′ between the tipping layer 6 c and thecardboard spacer tube 8 c downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 3c. In the third embodiment of the consumable 1 c″ the cooling element 7c is located between the cardboard spacer tube 8 c and the upstreamfilter 4 c.

FIG. 16 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 10 ccomprising a rod-shaped heating element 20 c (shown in dashed lines).The heating element 20 c projects into a cavity 11 c within the mainbody 12 c of the device 10 c.

The consumable 1 c is inserted into the cavity 11 c of the main body 12c of the device 10 c such that the heating rod 20 c penetrates theaerosol-forming substrate 2 c. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco inthe aerosol-forming substrate 2 c is effected by powering the heatingelement 20 c (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As thetobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine)within the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapour andentrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at theterminal filter portion 5 c.

As the vapour cools within the upstream filter element 4 c and thecooling element 7 c, it condenses to form an aerosol containing thevolatile compounds as well as the menthol flavourant for inhalation bythe user.

Fifth Mode of the Disclosure

As shown in FIG. 17, the HNB consumable 1 d comprises an aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 d at the upstream end of the consumable 1 d.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 d comprises reconstituted tobacco whichincludes nicotine as a volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 d comprises 65 wt % tobacco which isprovided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet ofslurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of ahumectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) andhas a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 d further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gumbinder.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 d is formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventionalcigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 d is circumscribed by a paper wrappinglayer 3 d.

The consumable 1 d comprises an upstream filter element 4 d and adownstream (terminal) filter element 5 d. The two filter elements 4 d, 5d and spaced by a cooling element 6 d. Both filter elements 4 d, 5 d areformed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper pluglayer (not shown).

Both filter elements have a substantially cylindrical shape. Thediameter of the upstream filter element 4 d matches the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 d. The diameter of the terminal filterelement 5 d is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 d and the wrapping layer 3 d. The upstreamfilter element 4 d is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminalfilter element 5 d at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for theterminal filter element 5 d.

The cooling element 6 d is longer than each of the two filter elements 4d, 5 d having an axial length of around 14 mm. The cooling element 6 dis formed of injection moulded polylactic acid (PLA) and comprises atubular body defining a bore 8 d having a circular transverse profileand extending longitudinally through the cooling element 6 d. In use,the vapour formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 2 d may cool andcondense by way of heat exchange with the body of the cooling element 6d. The diameter of the bore 8 d of the cooling element 6 d is around 4mm.

Each filter element 4 d, 5 d is a hollow bore filter element with ahollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in theupstream filter element 4 d is slightly larger than the diameter of thebore in the terminal filter element 5 d having a diameter of 3 mmcompared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 5 d.

The cooling element 6 d and the upstream filter element 4 d arecircumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 d.

The terminal filter element 5 d is joined to the upstream elementsforming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 7 d. Thetipping layer 7 d encircles the terminal filter element 5 d and has anaxial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of thecooling element 6 d.

FIG. 18 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 1 d′ which is the sameas that shown in FIG. 17 except for the cooling element 6 d and theterminal filter element 5 d.

The terminal filter element 5 d is a solid filter element and comprisesa crushable capsule 9 d (crush-ball) having a shell wall containing aliquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavourant. The capsule 9 d isspherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within theaxial centre of the terminal filter element 5 d.

The cooling element 6 d is formed by additive manufacturing (i.e., 3Dprinting) and comprises four bores 8 d (only two are apparent from thecross-section). Each bore 8 d has a circular transverse profile with adiameter of 1 mm, and extends longitudinally through the cooling element6 d.

FIG. 19 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 1 d″ which is the sameas the first embodiment except for the cooling element 6 d and thefurther inclusion of a cardboard spacer tube 10 d.

The cardboard spacer tube 10 d is located between the cooling element 6d and the upstream filter 4 d. The spacer element 10 d defines a spacein which vapour (formed by the substrate 2 d) may mix and condense. Thespacer tube 10 d has a length of 6 mm. Due to the presence of the spacertube 10 d, the cooling element 6 d is shorter than in previouslydescribed embodiments, and has a length of 8 mm. The cooling element 6 dis similar to that shown in FIG. 17, except it is formed of extrudedPLA.

FIG. 20 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 11 dcomprising a rod-shaped heating element 20 d. The heating element 20 dprojects into a cavity 12 d within the main body 13 d of the device.

The consumable 1 d is inserted into the cavity 12 d of the main body 13d of the device 11 d such that the heating rod 20 d penetrates theaerosol-forming substrate 2 d. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco inthe aerosol-forming substrate 2 d is effected by powering the heatingelement (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobaccois heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within thetobacco and the humectant are released as a vapour and entrained withinan airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filterelement 5 d.

As the vapour cools within the upstream filter element 4 d and thecardboard tube spacer 6 d, it condenses to form an aerosol containingthe volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

Sixth Mode of the Disclosure

As shown in FIG. 21, the HNB consumable 1 e comprises an aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 e at the upstream end of the consumable 1 e.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 e comprises reconstituted tobacco whichincludes nicotine as a volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 e comprises 65 wt % tobacco which isprovided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet ofslurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of ahumectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) andhas a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-formingsubstrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 e is formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventionalcigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 e is circumscribed by a paper wrappinglayer 3 e.

The consumable 1 e comprises an upstream filter element 4 e and adownstream (terminal) filter element 5. The two filter elements 4 e, 5 eand spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 6 e. Both filter elements 4 e, 5 eare formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paperplug layer (not shown).

Both filter elements have a substantially cylindrical shape. Thediameter of the upstream filter 4 e matches the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 e. The diameter of the terminal filterelement 5 e is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 e and the wrapping layer 3 e. The upstreamfilter element 4 e is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminalfilter element 5 e at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for theterminal filter element 5 e.

The cardboard tube spacer 6 e is longer than each of the two filterelements 4 e, 5 e having an axial length of around 14 mm.

The upstream filter element 4 e is hollow bore filter element with ahollow, longitudinally-extending axial bore. The diameter of the axialbore in the upstream filter 4 e is 3 mm.

The cardboard tube spacer 6 e and the upstream filter element 4 e arecircumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 e.

The terminal filter element 5 e is joined to the upstream elementsforming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 7 e. Thetipping layer 7 e encircles the terminal filter element 5 e and has anaxial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of thecardboard tube spacer 6 e.

A plurality of radial air flow paths are provided by a firstcircumferentially-extending row of ventilation holes 13 ae, 13 be and anaxially spaced second circumferentially-extending row of ventilationholes 14 ae, 14 be in the tipping layer 7 e which are circumferentiallyarranged around the terminal filter element 5 e.

FIG. 22 shows a second embodiment of the sixth mode of a consumable 1 ewhich is the same as the first embodiment except that the upstreamfilter element 4 e is a solid filter element and incudes a crushball 8 ewhich contains a flavourant. Furthermore, the ventilation holes 13 ae,13 be, 14 ae, 14 be extend through the tipping layer 7 e and are alignedwith radial bores 15 ae, 15 be, 16 ae, 16 be extending into the terminalfilter element 5 e. Of course, the upstream filter element could bereplaced with a hollow bore filter element as shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 shows a third embodiment of the sixth mode of a consumable 1 ewhich is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer3 e does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 6 e suchthat there is an annular gap 9 e between the tipping layer 7 e and thecardboard tube spacer 6 e downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 3e. Furthermore, the ventilation holes are provided in the upstreamfilter element 4 e with a first row of ventilation holes 13 ae, 13 beextend through the wrapping layer 3 and through the upstream filterelement 4 e into the hollow bore of the terminal filter element 4 ewhilst the second row of ventilation holes 14 ae, 14 be extending onlythrough the wrapping layer 3 e.

FIG. 24 shows the first embodiment of the sixth mode inserted into anHNB device 10 e comprising a rod-shaped heating element 20 e. Theheating element 20 e projects into a cavity 11 e within the main body 12e of the device.

The consumable 1 e is inserted into the cavity 11 e of the main body 12e of the device 10 e such that the heating rod 20 e penetrates theaerosol-forming substrate 2 e. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco inthe aerosol-forming substrate 2 e is effected by powering the heatingelement (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobaccois heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within thetobacco and the humectant are released as a vapour and entrained withinan airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filterelement 5 e.

As the vapour cools within the upstream filter element 4 e and thecardboard tube spacer 6 e, it condenses to form an aerosol containingthe volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

Inhalation by the user also draws in air along the radial flow pathsthrough the ventilation holes 13 ae, 13 be, 14 ae, 14 be. This air helpsto mix and cool the vapour.

Turning now to consider FIG. 25, there is shown a fourth embodiment ofan HNB consumable 1 e comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 2 e at theupstream end of the consumable 1 e.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 e comprises reconstituted tobacco whichincludes nicotine as a volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 e comprises 65 wt % tobacco which isprovided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet ofslurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of ahumectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) andhas a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 e further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gumbinder.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 e is formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventionalcigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 e is circumscribed by a paper wrappinglayer 3 e.

The consumable 1 e comprises an upstream filter element 4 e and adownstream (terminal) filter element 5. The two filter elements 4 e, 5 eand spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 6 e. Both filter elements 4 e, 5 eare formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paperplug layer (not shown).

Both filter elements 4 e, 5 e have a substantially cylindrical shape.The diameter of the upstream filter 4 e matches the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 e. The diameter of the terminal filterelement 5 e is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 e and the wrapping layer 3 e. The upstreamfilter element 4 e is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminalfilter element 5 e at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for theterminal filter element 5 e.

The cardboard tube spacer is longer than each of the two filter elements4 e, 5 e having an axial length of around 14 mm.

In this embodiment, both filter elements 4 e, 5 e are hollow bore filterelements with a hollow, longitudinally-extending axial bore. Thediameter of the axial bore in the upstream filter 4 e is slightly largerthan the diameter of the axial bore in the terminal filter element 5 ehaving a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filterelement 5 e.

The cardboard tube spacer 6 e and the upstream filter element 4 e arecircumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 e.

The terminal filter element 5 e is joined to the upstream elementsforming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 7 e. Thetipping layer 7 e encircles the terminal filter element 5 e and has anaxial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of thecardboard tube spacer 6 e.

A plurality of radial air flow paths are provided by a firstcircumferentially-extending row of ventilation holes 13 ae, 13 be and anaxially spaced second circumferentially-extending row of ventilationholes 14 ae, 14 be in the tipping layer 7 e which are circumferentiallyarranged around the terminal filter element 5 e.

FIG. 26 shows a fifth embodiment of the sixth mode of a consumable 1 ewhich is the same as the fourth embodiment except that the upstreamfilter element 4 e is a solid filter element and incudes a crushball 8 ewhich contains a flavourant. Furthermore, the ventilation holes 13 ae,13 be, 14 ae, 14 be extend through the tipping layer 7 e and are alignedwith radial bores 15 ae, 15 be, 16 ae, 16 be extending through theterminal filter element 5 e into the hollow axial bore of the terminalfilter element 5 e. Of course, the upstream filter element 4 e could bereplaced with a hollow bore filter element as shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 shows a sixth embodiment of the sixth mode of a consumable 1 ewhich is the same as the fourth embodiment except that the wrappinglayer 3 e does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 6 esuch that there is an annular gap 9 e between the tipping layer 7 e andthe cardboard tube spacer 6 e downstream of the end of the wrappinglayer 3 e. Furthermore, the first row of ventilation holes 13 ae, 13 beextend through the wrapping layer 3 e and through the upstream filterelement 4 e into the hollow bore of the terminal filter element 4 ewhilst the second row of ventilation holes 14 ae, 14 be extending onlythrough the wrapping layer 3 e.

FIG. 28 shows the fourth embodiment of the sixth mode inserted into anHNB device 10 e comprising a rod-shaped heating element 20 e. Theheating element 20 e projects into a cavity 11 e within the main body 12e of the device 10 e.

The consumable 1 e is inserted into the cavity 11 e of the main body 12e of the device 10 e such that the heating rod 20 penetrates theaerosol-forming substrate 2 e. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco inthe aerosol-forming substrate 2 e is effected by powering the heatingelement (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobaccois heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within thetobacco and the humectant are released as a vapour and entrained withinan airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filterelement 5 e.

As the vapour cools within the upstream filter element 4 e and thecardboard tube spacer 6 e, it condenses to form an aerosol containingthe volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

Inhalation by the user also draws in air along the radial flow pathsthrough the ventilation holes 13 ae, 13 be, 14 ae, 14 be. This air helpsto mix and cool the vapour.

Seventh Mode of the Present Disclosure

As shown in FIG. 29, the HNB consumable 1 f comprises an aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 f at the upstream end of the consumable 1 f.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 f comprises reconstituted tobacco whichincludes nicotine as a volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 f comprises 65 wt % tobacco which isprovided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet ofslurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of ahumectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) andhas a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-formingsubstrate 2 f further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gumbinder.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 f is formed in a substantiallycylindrical shape such that the consumable 1 f resembles a conventionalcigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate 2 f is circumscribed by a paper wrappinglayer 3 f.

The consumable 1 f comprises an upstream filter element 4 f and adownstream (terminal) filter element 5 f. Both filter elements 4 f, 5 fare formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paperplug layer (not shown).

Both filter elements 4 f, 5 f have a substantially cylindrical shape.The diameter of the upstream filter 4 f matches the diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 f. The diameter of the terminal filterelement 5 f is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of theaerosol-forming substrate 2 f and the wrapping layer 3 f. The upstreamfilter element 4 f is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminalfilter element 5 f at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for theterminal filter element 5 f.

The two filter elements 4 f, 5 f are spaced by a cooling element 6 fcomprising a polylactic acid (PLA) based foam having a cylindrical form.The cooling element 6 f is longer than each of the two filter elements 4f, 5 f having an axial length of around 14 mm. Although not apparentfrom the figure, the cooling element 6 f comprises an open cell foamcomprising a plurality of channels that permit the passage of vapour(i.e., from the substrate 2 f) through the cooling element 6 f. Heatexchange between the vapour and the cooling element 6 f may cool thevapour so as to cause it to condense.

Each filter element 4 f, 5 f is a hollow bore filter element with ahollow, longitudinally extending bore 8 f, 9 f. The diameter of the bore8 f in the upstream filter 4 f is slightly larger than the diameter ofthe bore 9 f in the terminal filter 5 f having a diameter of 3 mmcompared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 5 f.

The cooling element 6 f and the upstream filter element 4 f arecircumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 f.

The terminal filter element 5 f is joined to the upstream elementsforming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 7 f. Thetipping layer 7 f encircles the terminal filter element 5 f and has anaxial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of thecooling element 6 f.

FIG. 30 shows a second embodiment of the seventh mode of a consumable 1f which is generally same as that shown in FIG. 29 except that theconsumable 1 f′ comprises a spacer tube 19 f between the terminal filterelement 5 f and the cooling element 6 f′.

The spacer tube 19 f acts to allow both mixing and cooling of theaerosol (or vapour). As a result of the presence of the spacer tube 19f, the cooling element 6 f′ is shorter than in the previously describedembodiment. The cardboard spacer tube 19 f and the cooling element 6 f′are approximately the same length, and each have an axial length ofaround 7 mm. The cardboard spacer tube 19 f and the cooling element 6 f′are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 3 f.

In this embodiment, the cooling element 6 f′ is formed of PLA granulesthat are compressed into a cylindrical form. The granules define aplurality of channels that extend through the cooling element 6 f′ so asto permit the passage of vapour through the cooling element 6 f′

The terminal filter element 5 f is a solid filter element and comprisesa crushable capsule 10 f (crush-ball) having a shell wall containing aliquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavourant. The capsule 10 f isspherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within theaxial centre of the terminal filter element 5 f.

FIG. 31 shows a third embodiment of the seventh mode of a consumable 1f″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that a coolingelement 6 f″ comprises a bore 11 f, and the wrapping layer 3 f does notcompletely circumscribe the cooling element 6 f″. In the presentembodiment, the cooling element 6 f″ is formed of PLA granulescompressed into a tubular form (i.e., a cylindrical form with acentrally extending bore 11 f). The bore 11 f has a circular transverseprofile with a larger diameter than the bores 8 f, 9 f of the upstream 4f and terminal 5 f filters. The diameter of the bore 11 f of the coolingelement 6 f″ is 5 mm.

FIG. 32 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 12 fcomprising a rod-shaped heating element 20 f. The heating element 20 fprojects into a cavity 13 f within the main body 14 f of the device.

The consumable 1 f is inserted into the cavity 13 f of the main body 14f of the device 12 f such that the heating rod 20 f penetrates theaerosol-forming substrate 2 f. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco inthe aerosol-forming substrate 2 f is effected by powering the heatingelement (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobaccois heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within thetobacco and the humectant are released as a vapour and entrained withinan airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filterelement 5 f.

As the vapour cools within the upstream filter element 4 f and thecooling element 6 f, it condenses to form an aerosol containing thevolatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the followingclaims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specificforms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or amethod or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate,may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised forrealising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplaryembodiments described above, many equivalent modifications andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given thisdisclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention setforth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Variouschanges to the described embodiments may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations providedherein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of areader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of thesetheoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes onlyand are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unlessthe context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and“include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”,and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a statedinteger or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion ofany other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” anotherparticular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodimentincludes from the one particular value and/or to the other particularvalue. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by theuse of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particularvalue forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to anumerical value is optional and means, for example, +/−10%.

The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer toembodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits undersome circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that otherembodiments may also be preferred under the same or differentcircumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodimentstherefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful,and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of thedisclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

1. An aerosol-forming article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate;and an axially adjacent, downstream filter arrangement wherein thefilter arrangement comprises an upstream filter element, an intermediatefilter element and a terminal filter element, wherein the upstream andterminal filter elements are independently selected from a solid filterelement and a hollow bore filter element, and wherein the intermediatefilter element is a hollow bore filter element having a greater borediameter than any other hollow bore filter element in the filterarrangement.
 2. An article according to claim 1 wherein the article is aheat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.
 3. An article according to claim 1wherein the intermediate filter element comprises cellulose acetate orpolypropylene tow.
 4. An article according to claim 1 wherein the borediameter in the intermediate filter element is greater than 3 mm.
 5. Anarticle according to claim 4 wherein the bore diameter in theintermediate filter element is greater than or equal to 5 mm.
 6. Anarticle according to claim 1 wherein the upstream filter element is ahollow bore filter element having a smaller bore diameter than theintermediate filter element.
 7. An article according to claim 1 whereinthe terminal filter element is a hollow bore filter element having asmaller bore diameter than the intermediate filter element.
 8. Anarticle according to claim 1 wherein both the upstream and terminalfilter elements are hollow bore filter element and wherein the upstreamfilter element has a larger bore diameter than the terminal filterelement.
 9. An article according to claim 1 wherein the terminal filterelement is a solid filter element.
 10. A system comprising a smokingsubstitute article according to claim 1 and a device comprising aheating element.
 11. A system according to claim 10 wherein the devicecomprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heatingelement comprises an elongated heating element.
 12. A method of usingthe system according to claim 10, the method comprising: inserting thearticle into the device; and heating the article using the heatingelement.
 13. A method according to claim 12 comprising inserting thearticle into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetratingthe article with the heating element upon insertion of the article. 14.An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and ahollow bore terminal filter element at a downstream axial end of anarticle/consumable wherein the article comprises at least one radial airflow path into the article/consumable interposed between theaerosol-forming substrate and the terminal filter element.
 15. Anarticle according to claim 14 wherein the article is a heat-not-burn(HNB) consumable.
 16. An article according to claim 14 comprising aplurality of radial air flow paths circumferentially-arranged around thearticle.
 17. An article according to claim 14 further comprising aspacer element or an aerosol-cooling element upstream and axiallyadjacent the terminal filter portion.
 18. An article according to claim17 wherein the or each radial air flow path is provided within thespacer/aerosol-cooling element proximal a join between the terminalfilter element and the spacer/aerosol-cooling element.
 19. An articleaccording to claim 17 wherein the aerosol-forming substrate and thespacer/aerosol-cooling element are at least partly circumscribed by awrapping layer and wherein the radial air flow path(s) are provided byone or more ventilation holes provided in the wrapping layer.
 20. Anarticle according to claim 19 wherein the terminal filter element isjoined to the spacer/aerosol-cooling element by a circumscribing tippinglayer that partly overlays the wrapping layer and wherein the radial airflow path(s) are provided by one or more ventilation holes provided inthe tipping layer.
 21. An article according to claim 20 wherein theventilation hole(s) in the tipping layer are aligned or overlap with theventilation hole(s) in the wrapping layer.
 22. An article according toclaim 17 comprising a spacer element having a tubular wall wherein theradial air flow path(s) are provided by one or more ventilation holesprovided in the tubular wall of the spacer element.
 23. An articleaccording to claim 22 wherein the ventilation hole(s) in the tubularwall of the spacer element are aligned or overlap with the ventilationhole(s) in the wrapping layer and/or tipping layer.
 24. A systemcomprising a smoking substitute article according to claim 1 and adevice comprising a heating element.
 25. A system according to claim 24wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating elementand the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.
 26. Amethod of using the system according to claim 24, the method comprising:inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using theheating element.
 27. A method according to claim 26 comprising insertingthe article into a cavity within a main body of the device andpenetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of thearticle.
 28. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-formingsubstrate and a terminal filter element at a downstream axial end of thearticle, wherein the article further comprises a spacer elementinterposed between the substrate and the terminal filter element, thespacer element being at least partly lined with a heat reflectivematerial.
 29. An article according to claim 28 wherein the article is aheat not burn consumable.
 30. An article according to claim 28 whereinthe spacer element is provided axially adjacent and upstream of theterminal filter element.
 31. An article according to claim 28 whereinfurther comprising an upstream filter element and wherein the spacerelement may be provided between the terminal filter element and theupstream filter element.
 32. An article according to claim 28 whereinthe spacer element is a tubular spacer element.
 33. An article accordingto claim 32 wherein the spacer element comprises a tube formed ofcardboard or extruded plastic material.
 34. An article according toclaim 28 wherein the heat reflective material is a metallic foil.
 35. Asystem comprising an article according to claim 28 and a devicecomprising a heating element.
 36. A system according to claim 35,wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating elementand the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.
 37. Amethod of using the system according to claim 35, the method comprising:inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using theheating element.
 38. A method according to claim 37 comprising insertingthe article into a cavity within a main body of the device andpenetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of thearticle.
 39. A heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable comprising: anaerosol-forming substrate; and a cooling element located downstream ofthe substrate, the cooling element comprising a sheet formed of aplastics material, and an additive applied to a surface of the sheet.40. A consumable according to claim 39, wherein the plastics materialcomprises polylactic acid (PLA).
 41. A consumable according to claim 39,wherein the additive comprises a flavourant.
 42. A consumable accordingto claim 39, wherein the additive comprises a phase change material. 43.A consumable according to claim 39, wherein the additive is sprayed ontothe surface of the sheet.
 44. A consumable according to claim 39,wherein the sheet is gathered and/or crimped so as to have a generallycylindrical shape.
 45. A consumable according to claim 39, furthercomprising a terminal hollow bore filter element at a downstream end ofthe consumable.
 46. A consumable according to claim 45, furthercomprising an upstream filter element located upstream of the terminalfilter element.
 47. A cooling element for a heat-not-burn (HNB)consumable, the cooling element comprising a sheet formed of a plasticsmaterial, and an additive applied to a surface of the sheet.
 48. Acooling element according to claim 47, wherein the plastics materialcomprises polylactic acid (PLA).
 49. A cooling element according toclaim 47, wherein the additive comprises a flavourant.
 50. A coolingelement according to claim 47, wherein the additive comprises a phasechange material.
 51. A cooling element according to claim 47, whereinthe additive is sprayed or coated onto the surface of the sheet.
 52. Acooling element according to claim 47, wherein the sheet is gatheredand/or crimped so as to have a generally cylindrical shape.
 53. A methodof forming a cooling element, the method comprising: providing a sheetformed of a plastics material; applying an additive to a surface of thesheet; and gathering and/or crimping the sheet to form a coolingelement.
 54. A method according to claim 53, wherein the step ofapplying an additive to the surface of the sheet is performed separatelyto the step of gathering and/or crimping the sheet.
 55. A methodaccording to claim 53, wherein the step of applying the additivecomprises spraying the additive onto the surface of the sheet.
 56. Asystem comprising a consumable according claim 39, and a devicecomprising a heating element.
 57. A system according to claim 56,wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating elementand the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.
 58. Amethod of using the system according to claim 56, the method comprising:inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using theheating element.
 59. An aerosol-forming article comprising a coolingelement, the cooling element comprising a solid body, formed of aplastics material, defining one or more bores extending through thecooling element.
 60. An aerosol-forming article according to claim 59,wherein the body is one of injection moulded, extruded or additivemanufactured.
 61. An aerosol-forming article according to claim 59,wherein the plastics material comprises polylactic acid (PLA).
 62. Anaerosol-forming article according to claim 59, wherein the body issubstantially tubular.
 63. An aerosol-forming article according to claim59, wherein the body defines a plurality of bores arranged in apredetermined manner.
 64. An aerosol-forming article according to claim59, wherein the cooling element comprises an additive.
 65. Anaerosol-forming article according to claim 59, comprising anaerosol-forming substrate, the cooling element located downstream of theaerosol-forming substrate.
 66. An aerosol-forming article according toclaim 64, comprising a hollow bore terminal filter element at adownstream end of the article, the cooling element located between theaerosol-forming substrate and the terminal filter.
 67. A method forforming a cooling element for an aerosol-forming article, the methodcomprising: providing an at least partially molten plastics material;and forming the plastics material into a solid body defining one or morebores.
 68. A method according to claim 67, wherein the step of formingthe plastics material comprises one of injection moulding, extrusion oradditive manufacturing.
 69. A method according to claim 68, wherein thebores are formed in the injection moulding, extrusion, or additivemanufacturing process.
 70. A system comprising an aerosol-formingarticle according to claim 67, and a device comprising a heatingelement.
 71. A system according to claim 70, wherein the devicecomprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heatingelement comprises an elongated heating element.
 72. A method of usingthe system according to claim 70, the method comprising: inserting thearticle into the device; and heating the article using the heatingelement.
 73. A method according to claim 72, comprising inserting thearticle into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetratingthe article with the heating element upon insertion of the article. 74.An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and afilter element wherein the article comprises at least one radial airflow path into the filter element.
 75. An article according to claim 74,wherein the article is a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.
 76. An articleaccording to claim 74, wherein the filter element is a solid filterelement.
 77. An article according to claim 76, comprising a plurality ofradial air flow paths circumferentially-arranged around the filterelement.
 78. An article according to claim 77, comprising a plurality ofaxially spaced, circumferentially-extending rows of radial flow paths.79. An article according to claim 74, wherein the radial air flowpath(s) is/are provided in a terminal filter element at the downstreamaxial end of the article/consumable and/or in an upstream filter elementprovided upstream from the downstream axial end of thearticle/consumable and downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. 80.An article according to claim 79, wherein the radial air flow path(s)is/are provided in the terminal filter element and the article furthercomprises an upstream filter element.
 81. An article according to claim80, wherein the terminal filter element is at least partiallycircumscribed by a tipping layer and the radial air flow path(s) is/areprovided by one or more ventilation holes provided in the tipping layersurrounding the terminal filter element.
 82. An article according toclaim 80, wherein the radial air flow path(s) is/are provided by one ormore radial bores extending into the terminal filter element.
 83. Anarticle according to claim 79, wherein the radial air flow path(s)is/are provided in the upstream filter element and the article furthercomprises a terminal filter element.
 84. An article according to claim83, wherein the upstream filter element is at least partiallycircumscribed by a wrapping layer and the radial air flow path(s) is/areprovided by one or more ventilation holes provided in the wrapping layersurrounding the upstream filter element.
 85. An article according toclaim 83, wherein the radial air flow path(s) is/are provided by one ormore radial bores extending into the upstream filter element.
 86. Anarticle according to claim 80, further comprising a spacer element or anaerosol-cooling element interposed between the upstream filter elementand the terminal filter element.
 87. An aerosol-forming articlecomprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a hollow bore filter elementwherein the article comprises at least one radial air flow path into thehollow bore filter element.
 88. An article according to claim 87,wherein the article is a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.
 89. An articleaccording to claim 88, comprising a plurality of radial air flow pathscircumferentially-arranged around the hollow bore filter element.
 90. Anarticle according to claim 89, comprising a plurality of axially spaced,circumferentially-extending rows of radial flow paths.
 91. An articleaccording to claim 87, wherein the radial air flow path(s) is/areprovided in a terminal hollow bore filter element at the downstreamaxial end of the article/consumable and/or in an upstream hollow borefilter element provided upstream from the downstream axial end of thearticle/consumable and downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. 92.An article according to claim 91, wherein the radial air flow path(s)is/are provided in the terminal hollow bore filter element and thearticle further comprises an upstream hollow bore filter element.
 93. Anarticle according to claim 92, wherein the terminal filter element is atleast partially circumscribed by a tipping layer and the radial air flowpath(s) is/are provided by one or more ventilation holes provided in thetipping layer surrounding the terminal hollow bore filter element. 94.An article according to claim 92, wherein the radial air flow path(s)is/are provided by one or more radial bores extending into the terminalhollow bore filter element.
 95. An article according to claim 91,wherein the radial air flow path(s) is/are provided in the upstreamhollow bore filter element and the article further comprises a terminalhollow bore filter element.
 96. An article according to claim 95,wherein the upstream filter element is at least partially circumscribedby a wrapping layer and the radial air flow path(s) is/are provided byone or more ventilation holes provided in the wrapping layer surroundingthe upstream hollow bore filter element.
 97. An article according toclaim 95, wherein the radial air flow path(s) is/are provided by one ormore radial bores extending into the upstream hollow bore filterelement.
 98. An article according to claim 92, further comprising aspacer element or an aerosol-cooling element interposed between theupstream filter element and the terminal filter element.
 99. A systemcomprising a smoking substitute article according to claim 87, and adevice comprising a heating element.
 100. A system according to claim99, wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heatingelement and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.101. A method of using the system according to claim 99, the methodcomprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating thearticle using the heating element.
 102. A method according to claim 101,comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of thedevice and penetrating the article with the heating element uponinsertion of the article.
 103. A filter element for an aerosol-formingarticle, the filter element comprising at least one radial bore.
 104. Afilter element for an aerosol-forming article, the filter elementcomprising an axial bore and at least one radial bore.
 105. Anaerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and adownstream cooling element formed of a granular or foamed plasticsmaterial.
 106. An article according to claim 105, wherein the article isa HNB consumable.
 107. An article according to claim 105, wherein theplastics material comprises polylactic acid (PLA).
 108. An articleaccording to claim 105, wherein the granular plastics material iscombined to form a unitary structure or contained within a containmentsleeve.
 109. An article according to claim 105, wherein the foamedplastic material is an open cell foam.
 110. An article according toclaim 105, wherein the cooling element further comprises a flavourantadditive.
 111. An article according to claim 105, wherein the coolingelement comprises an axially-extending bore.
 112. An article accordingto claim 105, further comprising a terminal hollow bore filter elementat a downstream end of the article.
 113. An article according to claim105, further comprising an upstream filter element located upstream ofcooling element.
 114. An article according to claim 105, comprising aterminal filter element and an upstream filter element axially spaced bythe cooling element.
 115. A system comprising an article according toclaim 105, and a device comprising a heating element.
 116. A systemaccording to claim 115, wherein the device comprises a main body forhousing the heating element and the heating element comprises anelongated heating element.
 117. A method of using the system accordingto claim 115, the method comprising: inserting the article into thedevice; and heating the article using the heating element.
 118. A methodaccording to claim 117, comprising inserting the article into a cavitywithin a main body of the device and penetrating the article with theheating element upon insertion of the article.